Thai opinion: The people's power versus the junta's power

[webfact]

STREETWISE
The people's power versus the junta's power
Achara Deboonme

BANGKOK: -- As a homeowner, I was delighted last week when Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha put a brake on plans to make owners of houses worth more than Bt3 million pay full tax.

The prime minister reasoned that the economy is in bad shape and the tax might derail recovery. Also, the draft law seemingly failed to win much public support.

But as a citizen eagerly awaiting sweeping reform that authorities claim will change Thailand for the greater good, I am kind of worried what the final package will look like.

Following Prayut's tax decision, his deputy Wissanu Krea-ngam suggested that the Finance Ministry had only been testing the waters by publicising parts of the draft law. Though its tax rates are quite clear, he said the law has not yet taken full shape and is nowhere near ready for submission to Cabinet or the National Legislative Assembly.

Even Finance Minister Sommai Phasee did not seem displeased, noting the PM had merely ordered the bill be shelved, not aborted. He added that the order came at the right time, as the ministry is already overburdened dealing with economic difficulties. The ministry would now have time for more research on the appropriate tax rates and to improve understanding among the public and investors on the issue.

That the prime minister failed to consult him before making the decision didn't seem to matter. Prayut might be rigid, said the finance minister, but he is also capable of flexibility.

However, the episode prompts an important question: How many more policies are being enforced or scrapped on Prayut's orders? Of course, we shouldn't be surprised at the answer. The coup leader and PM has stressed many times that Thais would sometimes have to accept undemocratic decisions during this period. And he has adhered to those words.

Though he supported the Energy Ministry's view that Thailand needed to proceed with bidding on petroleum exploration concessions in order to ensure energy security, he then took an intermediary role. He ordered a discussion forum, only to learn that the ministry and opponents could not reach a compromise. Eventually, he ordered the ministry to put off the bidding just days before the scheduled date. Yet it came as no surprise when Energy Minister Narongchai Akrasanee declared the postponement would not affect Thailand's energy security. The speedy U-turn raised eyebrows, coming at a time when the whole world knows that energy consumption is likely to increase due to falling prices.

Luckily, the prime minister agreed to the Finance Ministry's inheritance-tax plan as well as the Energy Ministry's decision to restructure energy prices. Otherwise, these two ministries would have achieved nothing in the 10 months since the coup.

The junta's overwhelming power also extends to other branches.

The Constitution Drafting Committee's proposal that junta members be banned from politics for two years - which would prevent them holding on to power - made headlines. No committee appointed by any previous military government has made such a suggestion. The proposal was dropped after it failed to win junta approval.

It remains to be seen how the junta's power will influence the new charter.

Among the more contentious points of the draft charter is a proposal to make the 200-member Senate unelected. Neither would the prime minister have to be an elected lawmaker.

CDC chairman Bowornsak Uwanno has spoken of his role with pride. In a recent interview he reiterated that the new constitution would raise the people's power. Thais would be guaranteed of rights and be made to respect their civic responsibilities. Establishing a people's assembly that had power to impeach the prime minister was one way this goal would be achieved, said Bowornsak.

However, questions remain over how people's political power would be enhanced if they are barred from electing senators who are in charge of screening laws proposed by elected MPs. And for decades, Thais have been accustomed to seeing the leader of the political power that wins most votes becoming prime minister.

A survey that suggested most Thais would prefer an elected prime minister has been criticised by CDC members.

Conducted by King Prajadhipok's Institute and the National Statistical Office, the January 1-15 poll showed that 58.9 per cent of 5,800 respondents wanted an elected PM. Also, 62.3 per cent said senators should be elected while 85.1 per cent said the party that won the most votes should have the power to form the government.

Another contentious proposal is for an unelected steering committee and strategy committee tasked with making policies to tackle inequality. Their suggestions would have to be honoured by an elected government.

Of course, it remains to be seen whether this draft charter will win the approval of the National Legislative Assembly. Only then will we know whether people's power has really been raised after the coup.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/The-peoples-power-versus-the-juntas-power-30256137.html

-- The Nation 2015-03-17

[Plutojames88]

Prime Minister was not elected therefore internationally , and domestically , should not in the eyes of both be conducting polls to suggest he deserves to be or popular enough to continue to play statesman .

He promised to establish elections .

Preferably ones that reflect the desires of the majority.

This does not seem to be his agenda now.

And this year will see the international players remind him that he is not a recognised or just representative of Thailand .

Edited March 17, 2015 by Plutojames88

[gchurch259]

People Power is a nice way of saying, "Let the Inmates run the Ayslum". Thailand is a nice place to live as a retired individual. But, for a young person growing up here exposed to Laissez Faire, Ca Sera Sera attitude they see limited futures for themselves and worship the wrong idols/stars. So we want to turn the election over to them ?

The problem is once you leave the what, five major cities, the education level of the average Thai drops to around five to six years if that. Many can not read properly and are influenced too easily by media and mob opinions. Again, so you want to turn the election over to them ?

If you are not educated you will not have circumspect and the ability to resist going with the flow. Thailand needs to begin a Grass Roots Training System and Civics Education in schools and colleges

The General/PM can not make all these changes in 10 months or even if he tried.

As for what the EU, USA or any other country thinks, it is like I tell my wife if someone does not pay your bills, rent or feed you why do you care what they think !!

There has been so much corruption in Thailand it has become a natural cancer and extents to the highest levels, as we have seen. Top officials caught stealing, dealing drugs and other land grabs and deals.

[yellowboat]

This whole happiness thing seems to be in question. Those who favor the janta will start to see the failings of one man having unquestionable power.

[khounteen]

On the streets he would be the most popular Pm Thailand has ever had because his critics are all locked up in attitude adjustment "classes".

[casualbiker]

On the streets he would be the most popular Pm Thailand has ever had because his critics are all locked up in attitude adjustment "classes".

Are they?

[casualbiker]

Don't forget the tax we are talking about is 1,000 baht per million per Year. OVER 3 million.. the 1st 3 million is still on a graduated % discount. So a 4 million baht house would be about 2,250b per YEAR.. on a 1million baht house ..250b 2 million baht house ... 750b .....

[Tongdee]

The people that scream the loudest about having to pay taxes are also the ones that scream loudest about the lack of quality services that need the taxes for funding.

You cant have it both ways. The tax rates floated for 3, 4, 5, 6 million Baht homes seemed totally insignifigant for the amount of services expected... ... ...

[seajae]

heaven forbid that thais should actually have to start paying taxes, especially with a cash economy purely set up to avoid paying them as well. Instead the majority prefer to pay no taxes and let others that work in jobs where it is taken automatically pay for them so they can get govt assistance/services when they want it. I can understand the very poor not paying them but there are a lot of good income earners that are avoiding them as well by running cash businesses, paying tax on their houses is one way to collect it. The poor cant afford a million baht for a house, let alone 3 million plus so the ones that do own them are more than capable of the small amount of tax required. Trouble is that the people simply hate to have to pay for anything if they can avoid it, doesnt matter if they can afford it or not, it is simply ingrained in many of them not to.

[off road pat]

People Power is a nice way of saying, "Let the Inmates run the Ayslum". Thailand is a nice place to live as a retired individual. But, for a young person growing up here exposed to Laissez Faire, Ca Sera Sera attitude they see limited futures for themselves and worship the wrong idols/stars. So we want to turn the election over to them ?

The problem is once you leave the what, five major cities, the education level of the average Thai drops to around five to six years if that. Many can not read properly and are influenced too easily by media and mob opinions. Again, so you want to turn the election over to them ?

If you are not educated you will not have circumspect and the ability to resist going with the flow. Thailand needs to begin a Grass Roots Training System and Civics Education in schools and colleges

The General/PM can not make all these changes in 10 months or even if he tried.

As for what the EU, USA or any other country thinks, it is like I tell my wife if someone does not pay your bills, rent or feed you why do you care what they think !!

There has been so much corruption in Thailand it has become a natural cancer and extents to the highest levels, as we have seen. Top officials caught stealing, dealing drugs and other land grabs and deals.

I am happy to see there are still ex-pats / Immigrants, showing common sense.....compare to all those barfly's that just shoot there mouths of without thinking.....following the pack....all the same....!!!

I was happy to read your post and agree the full....

In general it is rare to see common sense on this site....lucky there are more than a few exceptions. !!!

Best regards.

Edited March 17, 2015 by off road pat

[Srikcir]

"it remains to be seen whether this draft charter will win the approval of the National Legislative Assembly. Only then will we know whether people's power has really been raised after the coup."

With those statements Achara misses the whole issue of people power!

Nothing more remains to be seen. People's approval does not come from a Junta-selected and appointed NLA. People's power does not come from endorsement of a new chareter without their approval.

People's power will only be raised when the military no longer has the power to subvert their soverneignty, rights and liberties. And the NCPO will not give up that power.

[off road pat]

On the streets he would be the most popular Pm Thailand has ever had because his critics are all locked up in attitude adjustment "classes".

You don't know what you're saying....!!!....you are free to say what you want on TV and you are not locked it seems....!?!?

those that are locked up were some of the most corrupt creatures This land has ever seen...and that means a lot.!!!

just howling with the pack are we ???....feeling strong all together....??? it's about time for your beer mate....!!! the bars are opening....

Best regards....

Edited March 17, 2015 by off road pat

[elgordo38]

People Power is a nice way of saying, "Let the Inmates run the Ayslum". Thailand is a nice place to live as a retired individual. But, for a young person growing up here exposed to Laissez Faire, Ca Sera Sera attitude they see limited futures for themselves and worship the wrong idols/stars. So we want to turn the election over to them ?

The problem is once you leave the what, five major cities, the education level of the average Thai drops to around five to six years if that. Many can not read properly and are influenced too easily by media and mob opinions. Again, so you want to turn the election over to them ?

If you are not educated you will not have circumspect and the ability to resist going with the flow. Thailand needs to begin a Grass Roots Training System and Civics Education in schools and colleges

The General/PM can not make all these changes in 10 months or even if he tried.

As for what the EU, USA or any other country thinks, it is like I tell my wife if someone does not pay your bills, rent or feed you why do you care what they think !!

There has been so much corruption in Thailand it has become a natural cancer and extents to the highest levels, as we have seen. Top officials caught stealing, dealing drugs and other land grabs and deals.

Elections are a good starting point. Regardless of Thai's education status age or mentality he should still be entitled to vote.

[casualbiker]

People Power is a nice way of saying, "Let the Inmates run the Ayslum". Thailand is a nice place to live as a retired individual. But, for a young person growing up here exposed to Laissez Faire, Ca Sera Sera attitude they see limited futures for themselves and worship the wrong idols/stars. So we want to turn the election over to them ?

The problem is once you leave the what, five major cities, the education level of the average Thai drops to around five to six years if that. Many can not read properly and are influenced too easily by media and mob opinions. Again, so you want to turn the election over to them ?

If you are not educated you will not have circumspect and the ability to resist going with the flow. Thailand needs to begin a Grass Roots Training System and Civics Education in schools and colleges

The General/PM can not make all these changes in 10 months or even if he tried.

As for what the EU, USA or any other country thinks, it is like I tell my wife if someone does not pay your bills, rent or feed you why do you care what they think !!

There has been so much corruption in Thailand it has become a natural cancer and extents to the highest levels, as we have seen. Top officials caught stealing, dealing drugs and other land grabs and deals.

Elections are a good starting point. Regardless of Thai's education status age or mentality he should still be entitled to vote.

Most if not all countries have age restrictions on voting. Presumably with the intention that the people voting have achieved adulthood and undergone an education. Some countries do not allow the mentally ill or convicted criminals a vote.

Are you suggesting that EVERYONE in Thailand should vote!

Edited March 17, 2015 by casualbiker

[halloween]

Pure democracy where every (adult?) citizen votes on every issue is a recipe for failure, as they will vote only for the issues that are of personal benefit. Representative democracy relies on the citizens electing others that they think will do the best for the nation, by giving the people what they need - which is far different from what they want. But that system fails when those seeking election are allowed to promise populist policies without any cost/benefit critical analysis and/or with a population lacking the education to see past personal benefit.

Those seeking power for their own enrichment are willing to promise anything to get elected, and the cost to the nation is immaterial. What rice farmer can refuse a 50% premium on the price of his rice, what minimum wage earner could refuse a 50% increase in wages WHEN nobody tells them, or they are unable to understand, that such schemes will either collapse or be negated by other economic forces?

[gchurch259]

People Power is a nice way of saying, "Let the Inmates run the Ayslum". Thailand is a nice place to live as a retired individual. But, for a young person growing up here exposed to Laissez Faire, Ca Sera Sera attitude they see limited futures for themselves and worship the wrong idols/stars. So we want to turn the election over to them ?

The problem is once you leave the what, five major cities, the education level of the average Thai drops to around five to six years if that. Many can not read properly and are influenced too easily by media and mob opinions. Again, so you want to turn the election over to them ?

If you are not educated you will not have circumspect and the ability to resist going with the flow. Thailand needs to begin a Grass Roots Training System and Civics Education in schools and colleges

The General/PM can not make all these changes in 10 months or even if he tried.

As for what the EU, USA or any other country thinks, it is like I tell my wife if someone does not pay your bills, rent or feed you why do you care what they think !!

There has been so much corruption in Thailand it has become a natural cancer and extents to the highest levels, as we have seen. Top officials caught stealing, dealing drugs and other land grabs and deals.

I am happy to see there are still ex-pats / Immigrants, showing common sense.....compare to all those barfly's that just shoot there mouths of without thinking.....following the pack....all the same....!!!

I was happy to read your post and agree the full....

In general it is rare to see common sense on this site....lucky there are more than a few exceptions. !!!

Best regards.

Thanks for the Roses !!

[Laughing Gravy]

People Power is a nice way of saying, "Let the Inmates run the Ayslum". Thailand is a nice place to live as a retired individual. But, for a young person growing up here exposed to Laissez Faire, Ca Sera Sera attitude they see limited futures for themselves and worship the wrong idols/stars. So we want to turn the election over to them ?

The problem is once you leave the what, five major cities, the education level of the average Thai drops to around five to six years if that. Many can not read properly and are influenced too easily by media and mob opinions. Again, so you want to turn the election over to them ?

If you are not educated you will not have circumspect and the ability to resist going with the flow. Thailand needs to begin a Grass Roots Training System and Civics Education in schools and colleges

The General/PM can not make all these changes in 10 months or even if he tried.

As for what the EU, USA or any other country thinks, it is like I tell my wife if someone does not pay your bills, rent or feed you why do you care what they think !!

There has been so much corruption in Thailand it has become a natural cancer and extents to the highest levels, as we have seen. Top officials caught stealing, dealing drugs and other land grabs and deals.

Just because people don't have a school education doesn't mean they are stupid. They know what is right and what is wrong. they have the ability to express their choice and opinions if the given the chance through a vote.

I think you underestimate poor and uneducated people and it is this attitude I see often with 'so called middle class Thais'. I have even heard ridiculous claims that they should get two votes if they have a university degree.

I agree with one thing gchurch259 that you have written. corruption is a natural cancer but it is so often the middle and ruling classes that are behind it all.

Give the working and poor class some respect that they deserve.

[yellowboat]

People Power is a nice way of saying, "Let the Inmates run the Ayslum". Thailand is a nice place to live as a retired individual. But, for a young person growing up here exposed to Laissez Faire, Ca Sera Sera attitude they see limited futures for themselves and worship the wrong idols/stars. So we want to turn the election over to them ?

The problem is once you leave the what, five major cities, the education level of the average Thai drops to around five to six years if that. Many can not read properly and are influenced too easily by media and mob opinions. Again, so you want to turn the election over to them ?

If you are not educated you will not have circumspect and the ability to resist going with the flow. Thailand needs to begin a Grass Roots Training System and Civics Education in schools and colleges

The General/PM can not make all these changes in 10 months or even if he tried.

As for what the EU, USA or any other country thinks, it is like I tell my wife if someone does not pay your bills, rent or feed you why do you care what they think !!

There has been so much corruption in Thailand it has become a natural cancer and extents to the highest levels, as we have seen. Top officials caught stealing, dealing drugs and other land grabs and deals.

Elections are a good starting point. Regardless of Thai's education status age or mentality he should still be entitled to vote.

Countries get the governments they deserve. If you want your populous to make wise, educated decisions, then you must first educate them. Even if the Thais do not want to model their political system after the US, it would be unwise not to the wisdom of the founding fathers. That would probably hold true for most in the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the current US government too.