Beware of 'democracy trap': Prayut

[webfact]

Beware of 'democracy trap': Prayut
THE NATION



Says Thais cannot co-exist if new charter rejected, defends clause on unelected PM

BANGKOK: -- THAIS CANNOT co-exist if they reject the new charter, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha warned yesterday after reporters asked what would happen if the majority found the new junta-sponsored constitution unacceptable.

The response came as Prayut tried to reassure the public that nothing in the draft charter is written in stone, including the article allowing for a non-MP to become prime minister and a fully selected Senate.

"If it's not accepted, then people cannot co-exist. It's up to them if they don't want to stay in their country," he said, adding that Thailand should not fall into what he calls a "democracy trap".

Prayut's remark came amid complaints that the new charter was not democratic.

"Don't forget that there's no such thing as a 100-per-cent democracy. We must look comprehensively when we talk about democracy. I see some institutions teaching people to be democratic, but what is democracy without notions like rights, liberty and duty? All these are necessary," the prime minister stressed.

Prayut said the draft charter would be reviewed again, adding that he was closely following the work of the Constitution Drafting Committee and hoped that some drafters would speak less in public so they did not stir up political divisions.
'It may be necessary'

As for the option of allowing a non-MP to become prime minister, he said this might be necessary to break a future political impasse. However, he denied this clause was part of a scheme to let some figures close to the current administration take over.

An unelected PM "cannot just be appointed. Under normal circumstances the person will come through the selection process in the House of Representatives … But if the country cannot be governed and there's a need to seek an outsider as prime minister to help the country move forward temporarily, then it is a solution," he said.

"I will look at the [draft charter] together with the Cabinet," he said, as sentiment against the draft, which is seen by critics as undemocratic, is growing. "Do not worry as to how the charter will turn out. Instead, worry about who will become candidates for the next government."

He said he would go on vacation once his job is over and power is returned to an elected government.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Beware-of-democracy-trap-Prayut-30255295.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-04

[greenchair]

It is necessary. People just need to understand that. Or don't live in Thailand.

[joesanunu]

"If they don't accept the charter.... then they don't want to stay in their country."

If you don't like it, LEAVE. Is that what he is saying? Sounds about right.

In other words. Do as your told and shut up!

You don't want to fall into the democracy trap....

Edited March 3, 2015 by joesanunu

[chiang mai]

Democracy is very over rated and not for everyone, he's absolutely correct.

[NongKhaiKid]

Democracy is very over rated and not for everyone, he's absolutely correct.

Especially not for those comfortable with having unfettered power taken by undemocratic means.

[aussieinthailand]

Here we go again,,,,

"the democracy trap"

"if it's unacceptable then people can not co-exist. it's up to them if they don't want to stay in their country"

So costas, djjamie, Halloween, and the others that can't see the woods from the trees, HOW YA GONNA SPIN THIS? or will you do as you guy's normally do when faced with the irretrievable stay in the back ground and wait till the dust settles then come back crying Thaksin this Yingluck that PTP and RED'S whatever,,,,,

Bet they wont be here claiming all is just fine and dandy for quite a while.

Edited March 3, 2015 by aussieinthailand

[zaphod reborn]

Whether a non-MP is selected by Parliament makes the process no less democratic. If reporters suggested it did make the system less democratic, their press credentials should be revoked for stupidity. An MP is only elected within a small district.

[BSJ]

Is this the long winded way of saying "it's my way or the highway"?

And it's "Pick a number time"! Contestants can pick a number for the next election date to win a large sack containing absolutely nothing useful. The sack generously donated by the wonderful leader once contained money so if your able to smell money you will get a thrill!

[baboon]

Democracy is very over rated and not for everyone, he's absolutely correct.

Democracy is very over rated by whom - the same people who decide it is not for everyone?

Edited March 3, 2015 by baboon

[apetley]

Well the last junta imposed constitution worked great so this one will be even better right?

If ever there were any doubts as to the true intent of the coup they are gone now because anyone who warns of a democracy trap has no intention of allowing the majority to have a say in their own futures.

[Mango Bob]

The best way to have an unelected PM is to have a coup and appoint yourself PM. Oh they did that already

[lildragon]

Basically, if we don't like the new civilian government we have already made our excuses for another coup.

I don't even know why they carry on this charade, coup after coup, they may as well just stay in charge forever.

[2fishin2]

Isnt it amazing how much further the country is moving away from anything democratic....

[tbthailand]

a beaver trap captures a beaver so you can kill and skin it

a lobster trap captures a lobster so you can boil it alive and eat it

...

Then the general talks about a "democracy trap"...

[losgrad]

Unless based on a "Truly Original Idea," the Thai Constitution will be modeled after either the written or unwritten constitutions of:

A. Democratic/Republic nations of Australia, Canada, EU, Japan, UK and USA, etc...

or

B. Socialist Republics of Cambodia, China, Russia, Vietnam, etc...

P.S. Many Socialist Republics call themselves, "Democratic, Democratic Republic, Democratic Peoples, People's Republic," etc... so titles or labels are less important than how they function.

Also good to remember a countries political systems are different than their economic systems.

Edited March 4, 2015 by losgrad

[whatawonderfulday]

He said he will go on holiday when the country returns to an elected government.

That either means he has no plans ever for a holiday or else there will be sufficient billions skimmed by that time, whenever it may be, for him and his merry men to leave Thailand and live the live of billionaires whilst the rest of Thailand struggles with the economic and socio-economic quagmire that they have conspired to create. Men with guns taking over a country never do it for the good of the country, only for the good of themselves.

[tbthailand]

"If it's not accepted, then people cannot co-exist. It's up to them if they don't want to stay in their country," he said,

this guy is becoming off-the-chart-crazy....

[2fishin2]

"If it's not accepted, then people cannot co-exist. It's up to them if they don't want to stay in their country," he said,

this guy is becoming off-the-chart-crazy....

The correct term "bat-shit crazy"

[dominique355]

Democracy is very over rated and not for everyone, he's absolutely correct.

Especially not for those comfortable with having unfettered power taken by undemocratic means.

And not for those without education and capacity to think. Uneducated followers prefer despotism. No need to think, just follow orders. (Oops, that sounds like a soldier's life.)

[rasmus5150]

He said he will go on holiday when the country returns to an elected government.

That either means he has no plans ever for a holiday or else there will be sufficient billions skimmed by that time, whenever it may be, for him and his merry men to leave Thailand and live the live of billionaires whilst the rest of Thailand struggles with the economic and socio-economic quagmire that they have conspired to create. Men with guns taking over a country never do it for the good of the country, only for the good of themselves.

This really makes me think of a certain someone that loves Dubai this time of the year, or in fact the next 25 years.

[Ricardo]

This is just as misguided, as the former elected-PM, who said that "Democracy is not our aim", the current government need to return to a democratic system including elections, within a reasonable timeframe.

[Stradavarius37]

Show me a real democracy in the world today, and i will hold up a mirror and show you a liar...

[Luc888]

Show me a real democracy in the world today, and i will hold up a mirror and show you a liar...

Only one contry with a Direct democracy it's Switzerland. All the other are not direct democracy.

[canuckamuck]

Setting the stage for a very rough scene in Thailand the next time the majority gets up the moxie to protest. I almost hope the people roll over and take it, because the alternative is frightening and bleak.

[Baerboxer]

This is just as misguided, as the former elected-PM, who said that "Democracy is not our aim", the current government need to return to a democratic system including elections, within a reasonable timeframe.

No political groups are really interested in democracy - that might make them accountable to the people and they might not be able to do as they please. Heaven's above!

Here the fight is between gangs made up of families, in-laws, cronies and alliances. Same in most Asian countries. In UK it's same fight between the big parties, who often contain family dynasties within them. Almost impossible for a principled individual to run against and effectively challenge them.

[canuckamuck]

Show me a real democracy in the world today, and i will hold up a mirror and show you a liar...

Just because there are no pure technically democratic governments in the world is not an excuse to label anything you want to be democracy. Most governments that are considered democracies are called that because people can vote to change the government, are free to express their discontent and leaders are subject to the same laws as the populace. This is the modern form of democracy, and to argue over semantics is facile.

[Lupatria]

The only trap I see here is a nation lead by someone who thinks democracy is a trap.

On the other hand- some tell their offspring: Don't grow up - it's a trap!

[Eric Loh]

So what's the alternative for not falling into a democracy trap? Naming some current off-democracy trap.... Communist, socialist, dictorship, feudalism, warlords, failed state.

[Johnny S]

Democracy is very over rated and not for everyone, he's absolutely correct.

Spoken like eg. Robert Mugabe or Idi Amin

[TheDiva]

More pickings for the "Did he really say that!" file. Good grief, .