Prayut learns realities of dealing with major powers

[cumgranosalum]

Rather than set up elections - in whatever form, K. Prayuth and the Junta have decided to tinker with Thailand's economy, day-to-day running and even morals......inevitably this will be unpopular. As he now says there will be elections in about a year, he needs to find some issue that will make him and his supporters popular to an electorate - failing to achieve a bargain with ANY of the countries that want to be involved in building the railway has got to be a negative factor here.

sill he's got 12 months un-opposed electioneering to put things straight.

[jaywalker]

The writer has overlooked Prayut's 'the military will return' should any elected government fail to 'solve' the country's problems.

So is the junta leader's declaration to Abe of a return to democracy by the end of this or early next year sincere or just PR guff?

It's guff.

It's a viscous cycle.

They'll go back to being a democracy long enough to get some more beans & bullets from the USA, that they can then use in the next coup.

[Lupatria]

Prayut learns realities of dealing with major powers

The headline leaves the impression there is a trainee or intern on the job...

[jcisco]

Does anyone know what this authors sources are for the information in this piece of crap. This is written with such a lack of a <deleted> that it has come out like a 5 years old,. I did this and then this and then that and blah blah....

please writers at these papers..... fake it till you make it, otherwise stop writing such shit

I have no idea what you are talking about -- in translation it seems you don't like what was said so you fell back on overgeneralized attacks that bear no resemblance to the text.

I don't use emotions to read articles of news or anything else for that matter. The point was is the authors style of writing is rather simplistic and the reading experience is really sub-par. As for the content, except an enquiry for the sources which is due the fact I haven't see news covering some of the events. So was lazy and asking for someone to do the leg work for me.

And since you have no idea, simply ask me, rather than try to take a snipe at me non specifically. Its presumptuous and rude and about par for the course for TV.

And from looking at the writers work, none of it is standout so I'd say perhaps not a full time bylined journo since the articles are rather sporadic.

[bassman]

^{Sounds like a little dissention starting to stir within the Thai elite. What an attitude change we have seen in the Nation's editorials over the last few days. Let's review three recent headliners; America's "snub" of facing a kangaroo court (showing an "up to you attitude", we got other issues that really matter), some of the truth starting to merge about how the Chinese are about to stick it up the Thai bum over the railway deal and the Japanese reaffirming the need for a path to democracy plus the necessity to evaluate before committing to new deals on infrastructure.}

^{The current leader is beginning to look more and more like a banty chicken ruffling his feathers in the barnyard, rather than the self proclaimed savior.}

Edited February 11, 2015 by bassman

[jayboy]

Rather than set up elections - in whatever form, K. Prayuth and the Junta have decided to tinker with Thailand's economy, day-to-day running and even morals......inevitably this will be unpopular. As he now says there will be elections in about a year, he needs to find some issue that will make him and his supporters popular to an electorate - failing to achieve a bargain with ANY of the countries that want to be involved in building the railway has got to be a negative factor here.

sill he's got 12 months un-opposed electioneering to put things straight.

I don't think that's the priority.In any event in the time scale there's little that can be done that will ensure electoral success since the state of the economy will be the key factor.The key objective is to ensure that when an election comes the nominee for the Shinawatra faction cannot win.This will be organised with the support of the puppet assembly and co-opted state agencies.It will be made very clear that any elected government will have to tow the line if not to risk another putsch.

[thhMan]

The schoolyard bully thats been setting the rules and marketing himself as a savior seems to not be working.

Thailand is not in control.... It never has been, but its now leaning towards a global issue

[ALLSEEINGEYE]

screw them!!! Take your time and get it done right. Easy to be an armchair quarterback. Where are these mouthpieces when innocent children are getting blown up by RPG's. Get the Thai house in better order then go to elections. I have been here 12 years and this is the best I have seen it. If they go to elections before they reform the failed system then we will just fall back into the same cycle of rampant corruption and the military will end up having to step in again.

Perhaps some of these other countries are afraid that the world will see that a coup to oust corrupt politicians is the only way to reboot the system that these A-hole politicians have screwed up to serve their own agendas.

[soalbundy]

The writer has overlooked Prayut's 'the military will return' should any elected government fail to 'solve' the country's problems.

So is the junta leader's declaration to Abe of a return to democracy by the end of this or early next year sincere or just PR guff?

It's guff.

What is the point of a sham democracy with the army in the background pulling the strings.Not every country can handle democracy and Thailand is one of them,why not be honest and say ''we are going for a benign dictatorship with a few democratic overtones and some checks and balances''. It might even work out better for Thailand,instead of an election every 4 years we could have a new coup every 4 years.

[newcomer71]

screw them!!! Take your time and get it done right. Easy to be an armchair quarterback. Where are these mouthpieces when innocent children are getting blown up by RPG's. Get the Thai house in better order then go to elections. I have been here 12 years and this is the best I have seen it. If they go to elections before they reform the failed system then we will just fall back into the same cycle of rampant corruption and the military will end up having to step in again.

Perhaps some of these other countries are afraid that the world will see that a coup to oust corrupt politicians is the only way to reboot the system that these A-hole politicians have screwed up to serve their own agendas.

Out of my curiosity: what is the best you have seen in 12 years here that has been changed by the actual junta?

[ikke]

If Prayuth wants something to demonstrate the value of his coup, perhaps he needs to pay what, to him, would be the most expensive price."

Disagree. He needs to stick to his original plan of reforms and elections as soon as possible and accept as he would have known when he coupe’d that there was going to be a cost to Thailand during the time frame of reforms. What he should not forget and all he has to do is cast himself back to the bloody mess and economic and social cesspit that Thailand was disappearing down prior to the coup to remember to continue down that Shinawatra dictatorial path was a larger and longer term cost to Thailand. Expensive and far reaching infrastructure deals with other governments should be as PM Abe correctly reiterates, be studied and considered for the long term. Accept that wisdom from the Japanese PM as it will also give the Thais the time to plan for the projects.

General Prayuth needs to just continue on the same path he originally chose, accept the constant loud mouthed clap trap from one particular party as what they are renowned for and get on with his reforms. He does not have to accept any price to demonstrate the value of his coup. In fact the more one thinks about that statement it shows teenage ignorance from the Nation writer of everything today and no thought of tomorrow. Tomorrow for General Prayuth is not a price but a vision of a better Thailand.

Do you really think he has a vision ?

Maybe he chose a path, maybe it was chosen for him, but he changed it anyway to become popular with taxpayers money.

Populism was always part of society, and he could have change that, but he didn't.

Without knowing the right numbers, we all know the coup and the pre-coup demonstrations have a high price for the country now and in the middle long term.

I sure don't believe he is the one to make a better Thailand.

[drand11]

Japan position..we can talk, but no commitment/ cash til Democracy returns to Thailand. Nobody wsnts to deal w a Junta Govt that is here for only another year. Slow progress for Thailand.

[bobmac10]

Do the rich and powerful in Thailand prefer Japan/US or China/Russia? or will they straddle the fence to 'play' both?

Is the issue, the decision-making process of a Military Coup vs. Democracy or is the issue the decisions?

Things aren't always as they first appear....

Times change,

what was happening in Thailand 20 years ago might have been acceptable to the western nations but now the reality is that military coups unseating democratically elected governments are definitely on the nose.

The rich and powerful, including the military families don't seem to understand that the world has moved on.

They are still obsessed with maintaining control over who gets what from the trough.

Intra - faction squabbling is the main game here, they weren't even watching what the world might think, after all they've done it 19 times before.

The feudal mindset of privilege and power, self interest above all things has led to this juncture.

Now the real business of developing a dynamic economy with fair wages for workers, a real democracy with freedom of speech and association appears to be beyond them.

[cumgranosalum]

How far Prayuth is "his own man" is debatable - he has had one very influential backer for the last decade or so.

[paddyjenkins]

In many martial arts such as Judo, Jujitsu and Aikido, a learned skill is to pull an opponent forward as he steps into you, or push him back as he steps away. In other words, you use your opponents momentum against him, to render him off balance. Thailand has stepped away from the US and Japan and towards China and they had perhaps expected the US and japan to then make offerings to bring them back. In other words, Thailand played as if they were in control. Instead, the US and Japan have stuck to their principles and Thailand has been pushed even harder into Chinas clutches. Now they are trapped and its all their own doing.

[jayboy]

Do the rich and powerful in Thailand prefer Japan/US or China/Russia? or will they straddle the fence to 'play' both?

Is the issue, the decision-making process of a Military Coup vs. Democracy or is the issue the decisions?

Things aren't always as they first appear....

Times change,

what was happening in Thailand 20 years ago might have been acceptable to the western nations but now the reality is that military coups unseating democratically elected governments are definitely on the nose.

The rich and powerful, including the military families don't seem to understand that the world has moved on.

They are still obsessed with maintaining control over who gets what from the trough.

Intra - faction squabbling is the main game here, they weren't even watching what the world might think, after all they've done it 19 times before.

The feudal mindset of privilege and power, self interest above all things has led to this juncture.

Now the real business of developing a dynamic economy with fair wages for workers, a real democracy with freedom of speech and association appears to be beyond them.

I think that is a very clear summary.Prayuth does have some good qualities but they are better demonstrated in a military context.Unfortunately he does not seem to be a man of penetrating intelligence or emotional maturity.In the end however he is simply an agent not a prime mover.The elites and Sino Thai middleclass who back him seem not to have a sense of enlightened self interest.Looking ahead ten years or so there is not much doubt what kind of society Thailand will be.In hind sight I suspect many of those currently supporting repression will regret not having had a genuine negotiation in which all sides had to make painful sacrifices.

As it is the unelected elites are looking for a zero sum game.

[Bakseeda]

The writer has overlooked Prayut's 'the military will return' should any elected government fail to 'solve' the country's problems.

So is the junta leader's declaration to Abe of a return to democracy by the end of this or early next year sincere or just PR guff?

It's guff.

Albeit necessary guff ......

[yellowboat]

The writer has overlooked Prayut's 'the military will return' should any elected government fail to 'solve' the country's problems.

So is the junta leader's declaration to Abe of a return to democracy by the end of this or early next year sincere or just PR guff?

It's guff.

What is the point of a sham democracy with the army in the background pulling the strings.Not every country can handle democracy and Thailand is one of them,why not be honest and say ''we are going for a benign dictatorship with a few democratic overtones and some checks and balances''. It might even work out better for Thailand,instead of an election every 4 years we could have a new coup every 4 years.

So you are saying the Thai powerful should decide for the entire population ? Again, westerners excusing the usurping of power just boggles the mind. There are reasons on both sides why things are tainted, and you have what ? A country usually gets a government it deserves be it a sham or not.

Edited February 11, 2015 by yellowboat

[angsta]

Reality bites.

[Bakseeda]

Do the rich and powerful in Thailand prefer Japan/US or China/Russia? or will they straddle the fence to 'play' both?

Is the issue, the decision-making process of a Military Coup vs. Democracy or is the issue the decisions?

Things aren't always as they first appear....

Times change,

what was happening in Thailand 20 years ago might have been acceptable to the western nations but now the reality is that military coups unseating democratically elected governments are definitely on the nose.

The rich and powerful, including the military families don't seem to understand that the world has moved on.

They are still obsessed with maintaining control over who gets what from the trough.

Intra - faction squabbling is the main game here, they weren't even watching what the world might think, after all they've done it 19 times before.

The feudal mindset of privilege and power, self interest above all things has led to this juncture.

Now the real business of developing a dynamic economy with fair wages for workers, a real democracy with freedom of speech and association appears to be beyond them.

Lets get one thing straight here bobmae, or is it Bob and Mae, There has NEVER been a democratically elected government installed in Thailand. Votes have continued to be bought en-mass. When there are constituances where certain partys cannot canvass, pray tell me how and why you think that is democratic. And by the way you want to paint in some rosy picture of some style of Valhala you must be a Jehovas..... dynamic economy,fair wages,real democracy etc... haha...you make me laugh.. Come into the real world .. In old days the strongest men ruled... now everywhere in this world The richest men rule... no different anywhere..!

[trainman34014]

All the old Nationalistic Thai's...and make no mistake Prayuth is one, like to imagine that Thailand is the center of the Universe and that whatever they do it has to be sucked up and agreed to by the rest of the World without question. They live in their own little dreamland of bloated ego's and non-achievement whilst awarding themselves new medals every five minutes to bolster their 'face'.

Democracy in the truest sense means diddly twot to these dinosaurs and the only way there will be an election in the next year or so is if the 'Dear Leader' and his cohorts have enough time to form their own political party and run for enough votes to keep themselves in pole position for running the country for another term. They will not let go of power easily by any means but by 'converting' themselves from a Military power to a civilian one they will soften the attitude of the outside World toward them.

Watch this space.

Edited February 11, 2015 by trainman34014

[ianf]

First of all why does The Nation persist in asking when 'Democracy will be restored'? There was no democracy in the first place and therefore none to restore. Dealing with the super powers? Well, first of all he has to deal with Thaksin's not inconsiderable world-wide propaganda machine including propaganda which is voiced by organisations that he helps fund such as Human Rights Watch. When will the world learn about the sociopathic lies that put Yingluck in the hot seat? Is she his 'sister'? By all accounts No. Perhaps the slogan should have been "Thaksin lies, Phuea Thai acts". Is there a connection between BO and Yinkluck? Some influential voices point to an unhealthy relationship that goes beyond politics. IS Yingluck really Thaksin's niece? Many would say so including people supposedly in the 'know' and very close to the real events.

Can someone please explain to the West & East what was on the cards had Thaksin been allowed to continue running amok with the Thai people's lives, with the Thai economy and so on? The good general saved his country from all this. But unless East/West powers stop listening to Thaksin sociopathic propaganda and begin to give some real support to Establish democracy (not restore!) to this country we will all be faced with more of the same from the Thaksin camp in the future.

[chooka]

Do the rich and powerful in Thailand prefer Japan/US or China/Russia? or will they straddle the fence to 'play' both?

Is the issue, the decision-making process of a Military Coup vs. Democracy or is the issue the decisions?

Things aren't always as they first appear....

Times change,

what was happening in Thailand 20 years ago might have been acceptable to the western nations but now the reality is that military coups unseating democratically elected governments are definitely on the nose.

The rich and powerful, including the military families don't seem to understand that the world has moved on.

They are still obsessed with maintaining control over who gets what from the trough.

Intra - faction squabbling is the main game here, they weren't even watching what the world might think, after all they've done it 19 times before.

The feudal mindset of privilege and power, self interest above all things has led to this juncture.

Now the real business of developing a dynamic economy with fair wages for workers, a real democracy with freedom of speech and association appears to be beyond them.

Lets get one thing straight here bobmae, or is it Bob and Mae, There has NEVER been a democratically elected government installed in Thailand. Votes have continued to be bought en-mass. When there are constituances where certain partys cannot canvass, pray tell me how and why you think that is democratic. And by the way you want to paint in some rosy picture of some style of Valhala you must be a Jehovas..... dynamic economy,fair wages,real democracy etc... haha...you make me laugh.. Come into the real world .. In old days the strongest men ruled... now everywhere in this world The richest men rule... no different anywhere..!

So many continuously go on about how votes are paid for but when they are asked continuously for proof they just say, but they are, I have a friend who has a friend who said thier rooster witnessed it so it is fact. I will never believe it until someone gives positive facts and not just hearsay from the buffalo. Why does every topic have to be transformed into an alleged vote buying topic? It has absolutely nothing to do with this subject. People can't win an argument so it is resort to things like but it's thaksin fault, the reds did it and buy votes or the classic, your a dirty red lover. Edited February 11, 2015 by chooka

[outsider]

Like a boy from a farmland province seeing the city for the very first time. And it's not even Bangkok yet!!!

[Oziex1]

If Prayuth wants something to demonstrate the value of his coup, perhaps he needs to pay what, to him, would be the most expensive price."

Disagree. He needs to stick to his original plan of reforms and elections as soon as possible and accept as he would have known when he coupe’d that there was going to be a cost to Thailand during the time frame of reforms. What he should not forget and all he has to do is cast himself back to the bloody mess and economic and social cesspit that Thailand was disappearing down prior to the coup to remember to continue down that Shinawatra dictatorial path was a larger and longer term cost to Thailand. Expensive and far reaching infrastructure deals with other governments should be as PM Abe correctly reiterates, be studied and considered for the long term. Accept that wisdom from the Japanese PM as it will also give the Thais the time to plan for the projects.

General Prayuth needs to just continue on the same path he originally chose, accept the constant loud mouthed clap trap from one particular party as what they are renowned for and get on with his reforms. He does not have to accept any price to demonstrate the value of his coup. In fact the more one thinks about that statement it shows teenage ignorance from the Nation writer of everything today and no thought of tomorrow. Tomorrow for General Prayuth is not a price but a vision of a better Thailand.

Come on, the simplest of reforms would be to continue the clean up of Phuket, that appears to have completely lost momentum, agreed it wasn't going to happen overnight if they were serious about reform getting rid of a few jet ski scamming thugs should be a mornings work for an armed force. Also interference in the very credible initial Koh Tao Brit backpacker murder investigation hasn't shown the their reform agenda in a positive light.

A better vision for Thailand is more than looking after the tourist industry, sure, but.

When are Thai people going to see a breakthrough in reform? and can it truly be delivered by those who have set themselves up in ways that true reform would no longer allow.

[nevets]

Thailand will never be ready for Democracy they do not understand it , the puw yai system will always be there in the head of the Thai,

I love Thailand and will live here until i die given the chance but the education system of rote learning will fail the people , the most fead word the school child can say to the teacher is WHY.

[Emster23]

The general could have used this time of martial law to act as neutral umpire in "returning happiness" to Thailand. But the reform agenda is being set to somehow ensure elite will get stranglehold on political power. The people have a legit complaint and although repressed, this same sort of red/yellow clash will rise again. Putting a lid on a boiling pot does not remove the heat....

The "crackdowns" on corruption are a sham, just wholesale attempts at purging those leaders of elected regime. New voices will take their places until the Thai people get a fair shake. Thaksin et al were crooks just like the ones holding power now, but at least they attempted to look like they gave a damn about those outside of power elite.

[wowfactor10]

Thailand and China may now squeeze each other out financially..

[yellowboat]

Many of the old time Thai - Chinese elitist complain of ill treatment when they are in China. When they swagger into a 4-5 star hotel and start speaking Hokkien or Teochiu at reception, the receptionist needs to find a maid or waiter to translate.

Met a Chinese women on the plane who sells in Thailand. She spoke Teochiu. She was incredible sharp and driven.

Most Thai Chinese are out of their depth when dealing in China. But people in China have a much better understanding of Thailand.

The Americans, Japanese and Chinese are way ahead of the Thai government. Playing one against the other is not going to work and the general will be held accountable for what he says, more so than any elected official..

[bobmac10]

Do the rich and powerful in Thailand prefer Japan/US or China/Russia? or will they straddle the fence to 'play' both?

Is the issue, the decision-making process of a Military Coup vs. Democracy or is the issue the decisions?

Things aren't always as they first appear....

Times change,

what was happening in Thailand 20 years ago might have been acceptable to the western nations but now the reality is that military coups unseating democratically elected governments are definitely on the nose.

The rich and powerful, including the military families don't seem to understand that the world has moved on.

They are still obsessed with maintaining control over who gets what from the trough.

Intra - faction squabbling is the main game here, they weren't even watching what the world might think, after all they've done it 19 times before.

The feudal mindset of privilege and power, self interest above all things has led to this juncture.

Now the real business of developing a dynamic economy with fair wages for workers, a real democracy with freedom of speech and association appears to be beyond them.

Lets get one thing straight here bobmae, or is it Bob and Mae, There has NEVER been a democratically elected government installed in Thailand. Votes have continued to be bought en-mass. When there are constituances where certain partys cannot canvass, pray tell me how and why you think that is democratic. And by the way you want to paint in some rosy picture of some style of Valhala you must be a Jehovas..... dynamic economy,fair wages,real democracy etc... haha...you make me laugh.. Come into the real world .. In old days the strongest men ruled... now everywhere in this world The richest men rule... no different anywhere..!

Clearly comprehension was not a subject you excelled at, at school.

I have no idea what you are talking about and how it relates to my post.

It appears you are emotional, "let's get one thing straight"..... and you ignored my two points.

Anyway, I've had some good responses from thinking people here, so I'll just let yours go to where it deserves to go.