Thai editorial: Resetting the rules won't stop the rot

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Resetting the rules won't stop the rot
The Nation

History has shown that rewriting the constitution won't lift Thai democracy free of its decades-long vicious cycle

BANGKOK: -- Many are calling on those currently setting up the Constitution Drafting Committee to include representatives from both sides of the longstanding political conflict. The argument is that nobody should be left out of this process of writing new rules for the country.

Our constitutions have often been abolished by coup-makers who cite problems such as corruption, social inequality and political violence as reasons for their power seizure and the subsequent drafting of new charters.

The country has seen 11 "permanent" constitutions and eight temporary or interim charters since absolute monarchy was replaced by constitutional monarchy in 1932. It seems that power brings an obsession with rewriting the rules in the hope of forging a better society. However, too much focus has been placed on the word of the law and too little on getting the people to obey the new rules.

The result is the vicious cycle we have witnessed for the past eight decades as "democracy" is reset with a new constitution, followed by an election, a new government, then a coup, a new constitution, and so on. However well the rules are written, unscrupulous politicians have found loopholes to exploit. They have "bought" votes and made populist pledges to win power, then abused their positions for personal gain.

They have used bullying tactics to keep independent watchdog agencies at bay and even condoned violence against their critics in a bid to silence opposition. Meanwhile the rule of law, which should combat abuse of power, is rendered helpless by law enforcers who side with their corrupt and powerful political patrons.

The periodic military coups, launched by top brass who claim they are acting to prevent the country from sliding into anarchy or civil war, merely set the stage for a fresh round of trouble.

Always overlooked in the hurry to rewrite the constitution and reform politics is the necessity to reform the public. Changing the rules is easy, but changing the people is far more difficult.

Thailand needs more people who place the national interest above their own. The goal is a solid core of politicians whose focus is on serving the people they represent, government leaders whose priority is national progress and development, and voters who want to elect honest and efficient politicians to run the country.

Instead, Thailand has a surplus of selfish and greedy politicians, corrupt holders of public office, and voters who base their decisions on what they personally stand to gain if their candidate is elected.

For better politics and a brighter future, we need improvement on both sides of the equation - politicians and voters. We need to promote the values of integrity and honesty, as well as emphasising the wisdom of placing the public interest over personal benefit. The focus should be on our younger generation, who are the future of this country.

For many of us, creating a political system free of corrupt politicians, with voters smart enough to keep it that way, is a dream. But it is the duty of all of us, as citizens, to make that dream come true.

We may not achieve that goal in the next few years, or even during this generation's lifetime. But if we start today, we can lay the foundations for our children and grandchildren to build on.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Resetting-the-rules-wont-stop-the-rot-30246559.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-30

[RustBucket]

When they say 'to include representatives from both sides of the longstanding political conflict'

Then obviously one side of the conflict is Thaksin. So they want Thaksin to have a hand in drafting the new constitution?

I wouldn't trust him to open a packet of cornflakes without causing some sort of problem.

[fatfather]

Nice article, but the last lines say it all. "We don't do it today, but maybe tomorrow..." No progress in sight. Very sad.

Fatfather

[noitom]

Won't stop the "rot."

[Robby nz]

Nice article, but the last lines say it all. "We don't do it today, but maybe tomorrow..." No progress in sight. Very sad.

Fatfather

I suspect you have misread the last line, try it again :

We may not achieve that goal in the next few years, or even during this generation's lifetime. But if we start today, we can lay the foundations for our children and grandchildren to build on.

So instead of the negative that you twist it into it is actually a positive,

[Robby nz]

However well the rules are written, unscrupulous politicians have found loopholes to exploit. They have "bought" votes and made populist pledges to win power, then abused their positions for personal gain.

They have used bullying tactics to keep independent watchdog agencies at bay and even condoned violence against their critics in a bid to silence opposition. Meanwhile the rule of law, which should combat abuse of power, is rendered helpless by law enforcers who side with their corrupt and powerful political patrons.

Does that sound like anyone you can think of ?

[JOC]

However well the rules are written, unscrupulous politicians have found loopholes to exploit. They have "bought" votes and made populist pledges to win power, then abused their positions for personal gain.

They have used bullying tactics to keep independent watchdog agencies at bay and even condoned violence against their critics in a bid to silence opposition. Meanwhile the rule of law, which should combat abuse of power, is rendered helpless by law enforcers who side with their corrupt and powerful political patrons.

Does that sound like anyone you can think of ?

Thaksin AND Suthep!!

All the same <deleted>!!

[JOC]

Nice article, but the last lines say it all. "We don't do it today, but maybe tomorrow..." No progress in sight. Very sad.

Fatfather

I suspect you have misread the last line, try it again :

We may not achieve that goal in the next few years, or even during this generation's lifetime. But if we start today, we can lay the foundations for our children and grandchildren to build on.

So instead of the negative that you twist it into it is actually a positive,

Yeah sure, shut up , be sustainable and don't question the high power!! And it might or might not be better in a 100 years time!

[fatfather]

Nice article, but the last lines say it all. "We don't do it today, but maybe tomorrow..." No progress in sight. Very sad.

Fatfather

I suspect you have misread the last line, try it again :

We may not achieve that goal in the next few years, or even during this generation's lifetime. But if we start today, we can lay the foundations for our children and grandchildren to build on.

So instead of the negative that you twist it into it is actually a positive,

Nope, can't see the really positive. I remember well the enthusiasm after the coup, even in my red shirt surroundings. Meanwhile this has faded and people are back to their own struggling for survival. Law abiding judges, police who just do their job, teachers who just do their job, and and and.... That doesn't need generations, that can be achieved quite quickly. It's a question of good will and not a question of preserving old rights.

Fatfather

[KarenBravo]

All totally obvious................but, only to outsiders.

[trogers]

However well the rules are written, unscrupulous politicians have found loopholes to exploit. They have "bought" votes and made populist pledges to win power, then abused their positions for personal gain.

They have used bullying tactics to keep independent watchdog agencies at bay and even condoned violence against their critics in a bid to silence opposition. Meanwhile the rule of law, which should combat abuse of power, is rendered helpless by law enforcers who side with their corrupt and powerful political patrons.

Does that sound like anyone you can think of ?

That last paragraph is happening right now in Hong Kong.

Violent acts of democracy?

Edited October 30, 2014 by trogers

[chainarong]

Dead right , the rot set in long time ago when the Junta's ruled the country and no amount of B/S will change the status quo , hardly something to look forward to but more of the same and along with the ruling elite Thailand looks like it will be just that tired Land.

[KarenBravo]

Hardly surprising since the average Thai hasn't a clue as to what Democracy (with a capital D) actually is.

You can't have true democracy without education and the elites will never allow the proper education of the masses.

[smedly]

change the political ban from 5 years to life

scrap the immunity to prosecution while in office

change how certain bills and all constitutional changes are passed through the house requiring 2/3 majority vote

and they will be well on the way to a stable government and society - all the criminals and power abuse will be gone for good

[BirdsandBooze]

However well the rules are written, unscrupulous politicians have found loopholes to exploit. They have "bought" votes and made populist pledges to win power, then abused their positions for personal gain.

They have used bullying tactics to keep independent watchdog agencies at bay and even condoned violence against their critics in a bid to silence opposition. Meanwhile the rule of law, which should combat abuse of power, is rendered helpless by law enforcers who side with their corrupt and powerful political patrons.

Does that sound like anyone you can think of ?

Thaksin AND Suthep!!

All the same <deleted>!!

Suthep and Yingluk both have one thing in common, they were both proxies.

[kingalfred]

The country is a basket case. incapable of sorting its divisions, corruption and mismanagement, permanent military rule is the only way it can be saved from itself.

[whatawonderfulday]

Why does anyone expect the rot to stop ?

Until not just a written constitution, but people also consider that a constitution must be written for the good of the nation in the long term, rather than the good of the people writing it at the time, nothing will change. Thailand is riddled with short sightedness, selfish and corrupt people from the top down. As the saying goes if you want to kill a snake then cut it's head off. Introduce moral and ethical fair education. Provide the opportunity for unbiased and open learning for all may well start this process but look around, who is there to kick start it ?

The previous crop of government wouldn't or couldn't. The current crop of opinionated, gun tooting pseudo politicians neither have the aptitude or skill sets so who is left ?

Corruption is endemic in this society so all the posturing, good words, BS fed to the masses will not change that while ordinary peoples rights and freedom of information are controlled and restricted by the use of threats and intimidation supported by moonlighting thugs with guns Army and Naval personnel.

Edited October 30, 2014 by whatawonderfulday

[EnglishJohn]

Excellent article which sums it up very nicely.

The red's will know it too - but are uncomfortable with truth like this. They close their eyes, put their fingers in their ears and keep saying 'I hate the elite'. It's quite stunning how they can lay all the blame at the junta with no mention of what that last bunch of disgraceful cronies did.

Their is no 'honour' in Thailand, only 'face' which is quite different.

[razer]

I have read the Thai Constitution and understand it

http://www.isaanlawyers.com/constitution%20thailand%202007%20-%202550.pdf

I guess the best Constitution ever written is the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing certain rights much like the UN Declaration of Human Rights. BUT the key to making any democracy work

1. is the political WILL to enforce the law and put people who abuse power in prison

and like the author said

2. We need to promote the values of integrity and honesty, as well as emphasising the wisdom of placing the public interest over personal benefit. The focus should be on our younger generation, who are the future of this country.

OR ... they can do like the USA and legalize bribes in the form of campaign contributions. Voila! ... end of political corruption.

[Caspersfriend]

I have read the Thai Constitution and understand it

http://www.isaanlawyers.com/constitution%20thailand%202007%20-%202550.pdf

I guess the best Constitution ever written is the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing certain rights much like the UN Declaration of Human Rights. BUT the key to making any democracy work

1. is the political WILL to enforce the law and put people who abuse power in prison

and like the author said

2. We need to promote the values of integrity and honesty, as well as emphasising the wisdom of placing the public interest over personal benefit. The focus should be on our younger generation, who are the future of this country.

OR ... they can do like the USA and legalize bribes in the form of campaign contributions. Voila! ... end of political corruption.

Even if it were "the best Constitution ever written" is if for the people - all people?

Would you put the US forward as a country that enjoys true Democracy - one person - one vote? You don't appear deluded so I doubt it.

Corruption rules as everywhere else it seems,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_Democratic_Is_the_American_Constitution%3F

[Emster23]

"nobody should be left out of this process of writing new rules for the country."

Super! Being from USA, "Best democracy money can buy" I volunteer to be farang representative at these sessions guiding Thailand to a new dawn. Just let me write my will first, okay?

[jesimps]

Excellent article which sums it up very nicely.

The red's will know it too - but are uncomfortable with truth like this. They close their eyes, put their fingers in their ears and keep saying 'I hate the elite'. It's quite stunning how they can lay all the blame at the junta with no mention of what that last bunch of disgraceful cronies did.

Their is no 'honour' in Thailand, only 'face' which is quite different.

That "Last bunch of disgraceful cronies" were elected by the people. See the difference?

[retsdon]

When you have a culture that revels in willful ignorance; when you have a culture that bows to power and wealth for its own sake; when you have a culture in which putting moral principle above temporary pecuniary gain is laughed at - real democracy wil always be stillborn, no matter the midwife.

[Robespiere]

When they say 'to include representatives from both sides of the longstanding political conflict'

Then obviously one side of the conflict is Thaksin. So they want Thaksin to have a hand in drafting the new constitution?

I wouldn't trust him to open a packet of cornflakes without causing some sort of problem.

Problems are usually a matter of perspective.

Thaksin would distribute the cornflakes reasonably fairly amongst those around the table, this would only cause a problem for the established, mostly geriatric elites who would rather keep the lot in their own greedy little, big fat greasy, 12 sandwich eating hands!

[Robespiere]

The country is a basket case. incapable of sorting its divisions, corruption and mismanagement, permanent military rule is the only way it can be saved from itself.

More or less permanent military rule since 1932 has turned the country into a basket case.

This is not a chicken or egg dilemma, the cause of the disease is as obvious as the cure.

Thailand needs an intravenous dose of democracy administered ASAP.

[Robespiere]

change the political ban from 5 years to life

scrap the immunity to prosecution while in office

change how certain bills and all constitutional changes are passed through the house requiring 2/3 majority vote

and they will be well on the way to a stable government and society - all the criminals and power abuse will be gone for good

Would these be actual criminals that are gone, or just those on trumped up charges by elite appointed corrupted institutions?

Would Suthep, for instance, ever be likely to be banned for life?

You keep harping on about the 2/3's quota, odds are Thaksin will, at some stage, win more than 2/3's of parliament - then what?

Another coup?

Edited October 30, 2014 by Robespiere

[Longtooth]

change the political ban from 5 years to life

scrap the immunity to prosecution while in office

change how certain bills and all constitutional changes are passed through the house requiring 2/3 majority vote

and they will be well on the way to a stable government and society - all the criminals and power abuse will be gone for good

A good, solid, simple start! Hear, hear! Also improve (raise) the social security retirement award. Parents are driving their children to make money at ANY COST, so that the children can support their parents in their old age. In this vein, the future will be as corrupt as the present. But this would require some kind of tax, so not a populist procedure. Culture=Traditions.

[Laughing Gravy]

Nice article, but the last lines say it all. "We don't do it today, but maybe tomorrow..." No progress in sight. Very sad.

Fatfather

I suspect you have misread the last line, try it again :

We may not achieve that goal in the next few years, or even during this generation's lifetime. But if we start today, we can lay the foundations for our children and grandchildren to build on.

So instead of the negative that you twist it into it is actually a positive,

I thought the article was good and realistic in the current situation that Thailand is in. I can't see the negativity that you see. As the OP mentioned clearly that change will not happen in this generations lifetime. Well why not? I don't see as "no progress in sight" as negative, just truthful. You can spin things as much as you want but the truth is the truth.

[Robby nz]

When they say 'to include representatives from both sides of the longstanding political conflict'

Then obviously one side of the conflict is Thaksin. So they want Thaksin to have a hand in drafting the new constitution?

I wouldn't trust him to open a packet of cornflakes without causing some sort of problem.

Problems are usually a matter of perspective.

Thaksin would distribute the cornflakes reasonably fairly amongst those around the table, this would only cause a problem for the established, mostly geriatric elites who would rather keep the lot in their own greedy little, big fat greasy, 12 sandwich eating hands!

Thaksin is reported to have told (boasted to) Forbes he increased his wealth 450% in the term of the Yingluck Govt while the poor and the country are deeper in debt than they have ever been.

He is indeed wonderful at distributing wealth.

Unfortunately your prospective is all red, others see the truth.