Thai editorial: Look who's attacking the Shinawatras now

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Look who's attacking the Shinawatras now
The Nation

Leftist Somsak Jeamteerasakul has landed another heavy blow on Thaksin

BANGKOK: -- The accusation that Thaksin Shinawatra is himself an "elite" who is simply better than others at hiding behind the poor is not new. But what is surprising is that a hardcore leftist is now saying this. In his most stinging attack against the Shinawatras yet, Somsak Jeamteerasakul asserted that the clan is no different from those who the family's members claim are hell-bent on destroying them.

The sharp criticism is a blow as big as - if not bigger - than what Thaksin, speaking in South Korea, tried to land on those who "conspired" to remove his sister Yingluck Shinawatra from power.

To sum Somsak's latest statement up, he said that while anti-Shinawatra sentiment among many groups was real, and their desire to undermine the clan was strong, only the Shinawatras could put away the Shinawatras. Gone were the days, Somsak said, when a small group of people could sit down and successfully plot to oust someone. Public opinion, according to Somsak, has played an increasingly bigger role in politics, and the Shinawatras should go beyond the conspiracy theory to review their own serious flaws when democracy is concerned.

Somsak noted that movements and plots against the Yingluck administration amounted to little before the controversial Amnesty Bill came along. That bill sought to provide a blanket political amnesty, meaning that while it would benefit Thaksin's political rivals, it would whitewash him, too, Somsak said.

"There's one thing that Thaksin and many of his supporters have tried to turn a blind eye to. That thing paved the way for the government to be overthrown. That thing is the blanket Amnesty Bill," he said.

In addition to the "elite attitude", the Shinawatras made a big mistake by condoning violence against anti-Yingluck protesters. Many innocent people were killed in attacks in addition to activists, who, despite their anti-government fervour, did not deserve to die, Somsak said. Condoning the violence was wrong both in strategic and humanitarian terms, he pointed out. Strategically, it opened the way for the military to step in, citing the government's inability to stop Thais from killing other Thais. Why the violence raised humanitarian questions was obvious.

"Reflective of an elitist attitude, the Amnesty Bill demonstrated narrow-mindedness and intention to protect vested interests at all costs," Somsak wrote on his Facebook page. The bill and related developments also underlined a flawed Thai democracy, in which "people are always ordered or obliged to do things that are obviously wrong." He said: "We don't need to be reminded how unanimous Pheu Thai lawmakers were in advocating the Amnesty Bill."

This is Somsak's second attack on the Shinawatras. After Yingluck's impeachment by the military-installed legislature, he mocked Thaksin's son, Panthongtae, after the latter urged his Facebook followers to stand up and fight. "Are you ready?" Somsak asked Panthongtae. The academic suggested the Shinawatras only want to "protect democracy" when events turned against them. "Where have you been since the coup?" he asked the young man.

Thaksin, speaking to reporters after joining an international economic conference in Seoul, was still sticking with his "conspiracy" theory. It's obvious that the common ground he shares with those like Somsak is getting smaller. Of course, there are elements who dislike the Shinawatras. And those elements have resorted to controversial means to dislodge the clan from politics. To Somsak, at least, the common ground ends here. The clan is blaming everything on others, whereas the hardcore leftist academic is asking the family to take a good, hard look at itself.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Look-whos-attacking-the-Shinawatras-now-30261343.html


-- The Nation 2015-06-01

[sirineou]

Gone were the days, Somsak said, when a small group of people could sit down and successfully plot to oust someone.

Huuhh???

[LannaGuy]

yea easy to stick the boot in when their down isn't it?

[BSJ]

Ouch!!! A lefty telling the truth....only in Thailand!

[berybert]

An elite. The 50000000 billion baht never gave it away then ?

[Kerryd]

Just goes to show how far loyalty goes once the money stops flowing.

[cloudhopper]

Just goes to show how far loyalty goes once the money stops flowing.

Too true in this culture.

[jaidam]

I think it had something to do with the timing also. The vote was taken at 4am when the opposition had been sent home and told a vote would not be held. It's probably just me, but doesn't it seem somewhat unfair and unusual for votes in a democracy to be done in this way?

This leftist Somsak needs to watch over his shoulder carefully. There is a long list of people that dared criticize the Shin elite, and like Shipping Moo, Ekkayuth, Somchai N, they are all dead.

[z42]

Most sensible thing he's said in years. Even if Lannaguy doesn't see it

[LannaGuy]

Most sensible thing he's said in years. Even if Lannaguy doesn't see it

I am no Shin fan or apologist but it leaves a foul taste in the mouth when I see someone like Yingluck being kicked by the Army jackboots and then he joins in

[stevenl]

Wow

[lovetotravel]

Most sensible thing he's said in years. Even if Lannaguy doesn't see it

I am no Shin fan or apologist but it leaves a foul taste in the mouth when I see someone like Yingluck being kicked by the Army jackboots and then he joins in

She's being kicked due to her own actions. Too many to list. But it is refreshing to see some not towing the party line and speaking out. That's what democracy is all about, right?

The clan is blaming everything on others, whereas the hardcore leftist academic is asking the family to take a good, hard look at itself.

Introspection is a great thing. The article is spot on.

[LannaGuy]

Most sensible thing he's said in years. Even if Lannaguy doesn't see it

I am no Shin fan or apologist but it leaves a foul taste in the mouth when I see someone like Yingluck being kicked by the Army jackboots and then he joins in

She's being kicked due to her own actions. Too many to list. But it is refreshing to see some not towing the party line and speaking out. That's what democracy is all about, right?

The clan is blaming everything on others, whereas the hardcore leftist academic is asking the family to take a good, hard look at itself.

Introspection is a great thing. The article is spot on.

democracy is about elections dude but never mind

[lovetotravel]

democracy is about elections dude but never mind

Do some research on what constitutes a true democracy. Elections are but one small part. And if not done properly, are definitely not democratic. You can ask the North Koreans about that one.

[stevenl]

Most sensible thing he's said in years. Even if Lannaguy doesn't see it

I am no Shin fan or apologist but it leaves a foul taste in the mouth when I see someone like Yingluck being kicked by the Army jackboots and then he joins in

She's being kicked due to her own actions. Too many to list. But it is refreshing to see some not towing the party line and speaking out. That's what democracy is all about, right?

The clan is blaming everything on others, whereas the hardcore leftist academic is asking the family to take a good, hard look at itself.

Introspection is a great thing. The article is spot on.

democracy is about elections dude but never mind

No, that is the way especially politicians interpret it. Democracy is about moving forward in the direction desired by the people.

[jaidam]

democracy is about elections dude but never mind

Wrong. Elections are a part of democracy, as much as fair judicial system, due process of law, freedom of information, freedom to vote however you choose without threats and intimidation. Elections on their own do not equal democracy, North Korea runs elections and the present govt won a 100% of the vote - so in your opinion NK must be about the most democratic utopia on earth?

Would you like to explain how democracy is helped when one party created and/or buys smaller parties to pretend to run against it in an election in order to gain 40% of the vote, to stop the election being voided?

[LannaGuy]

democracy is about elections dude but never mind

Wrong. Elections are a part of democracy, as much as fair judicial system, due process of law, freedom of information, freedom to vote however you choose without threats and intimidation. Elections on their own do not equal democracy, North Korea runs elections and the present govt won a 100% of the vote - so in your opinion NK must be about the most democratic utopia on earth?

Would you like to explain how democracy is helped when one party created and/or buys smaller parties to pretend to run against it in an election in order to gain 40% of the vote, to stop the election being voided?

I agree... you think we have that now? a Military State where students were arrested last week? an interesting take on 'democracy' but let's get back ON TOPIC?

PS why say 'one party'? your 'facts' are all over the place but you don't care about facts do you? we veer off topic please save your Junta support for a different thread?

Edited June 1, 2015 by LannaGuy

[smedly]

Just goes to show how far loyalty goes once the money stops flowing.

He knows as well as everyone except LannaGuy and Heybruce that Thaksin is finished - history - gone and will never set foot in Thailand again except in ankle chains

As for the terrorist Thaksin funded redshirts - their support is so low now that it is pointless to open their mouths, I hope at some point in the near future they will all be investigated and asked where their money came from but I suspect a deal has been done shutting them up to avoid an investigation as they all know they would end up in jail.

[ezzra]

A. mob mentality, and not wanting to be associated with the losing side,

B. abandoned the sinking ship, save your soul and leave the captain to go down with the ship.

C, no more easy money on the sly to be had now, better look for a new horse

to bet on...

[smedly]

Most sensible thing he's said in years. Even if Lannaguy doesn't see it

I am no Shin fan or apologist but it leaves a foul taste in the mouth when I see someone like Yingluck being kicked by the Army jackboots and then he joins in

we all know she is taking the "kicking" (as you describe it) on behalf of her coward brother who remains in rich luxury while all around him take the beating, until he steps up it will continue

[smedly]

democracy is about elections dude but never mind

so you keep telling everyone here and so we keep correcting you

[rixalex]

democracy is about elections dude but never mind

Elections are just one part of the democratic process. A very important part no question, but still just one part. Shin fans and apologists seem to have a tendency to forget this.

As for Yingluck being kicked when she is down, politics is a rough old business, in which even the most popular and successful ones get criticized. It's the nature of the job. If Yingluck is too delicate to handle it.. well she should have thought about that the day a convicted on the run criminal phoned her and explained his plot to install her as leader of the country and push through an amnesty bill to clear him of wrong-doing, and she said "yes, ok".

[LannaGuy]

democracy is about elections dude but never mind

so you keep telling everyone here and so we keep correcting you

and so I keep repeating that a Military Junta is not the answer - nor has it ever been throughout history but this point seems to elude you

[smedly]

democracy is about elections dude but never mind

Wrong. Elections are a part of democracy, as much as fair judicial system, due process of law, freedom of information, freedom to vote however you choose without threats and intimidation. Elections on their own do not equal democracy, North Korea runs elections and the present govt won a 100% of the vote - so in your opinion NK must be about the most democratic utopia on earth?

Would you like to explain how democracy is helped when one party created and/or buys smaller parties to pretend to run against it in an election in order to gain 40% of the vote, to stop the election being voided?

I agree... you think we have that now? a Military State where students were arrested last week? an interesting take on 'democracy' but let's get back ON TOPIC?

PS why say 'one party'? your 'facts' are all over the place but you don't care about facts do you? we veer off topic please save your Junta support for a different thread?

I wish you would stop going on about the current government not being a democracy - we are all fully aware of what it is, we are also fully aware that it is a process that just might conclude with a stable and fair system of democracy in Thailand that might just stop the rot once and for all, The Shin abuse could not be allowed to continue

[lovetotravel]

democracy is about elections dude but never mind

so you keep telling everyone here and so we keep correcting you

and so I keep repeating that a Military Junta is not the answer - nor has it ever been throughout history but this point seems to elude you

Even the PM agrees the military should not be running the country. But if elections happen too quickly, Thailand may look like Egypt. Elections were rushed and they are in a mess.

PTP started down this road and here we are. Could have easily been stopped. Drop the amnesty bill, as the OP points out. Don't blame others. Take responsibility.

http://news.thaivisa.com/thailand/prayut-assures-un-diplomats-of-election-by-september-next-year/91246/

BANGKOK: — Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told diplomats from the United Nations that the country will hold general election in September next year and assured them that the military junta and the government will not interfere with the election.

All we can do is wait and see if this actually happens. But he is saying the right thing. He inherited a mess, I think we can all agree about that.

[cumgranosalum]

prettty much a nonsense piece - has the guy just got off the plane?

[dageurreotype]

Just goes to show how far loyalty goes once the money stops flowing.

That's really rather cynical of you. There are those who are neither supporters of the amart backed military nor self serving billionaire Taksin. It's simply that they rarely make the headlines in mass media. Rather alike the Daily Mail/Express/Star/Mirror .. Try Khaosod English.

[Ricardo]

Most sensible thing he's said in years. Even if Lannaguy doesn't see it

I am no Shin fan or apologist but it leaves a foul taste in the mouth when I see someone like Yingluck being kicked by the Army jackboots and then he joins in

But you must surely applaud, when a lone voice from the ranks of the poor, says what many of us farangs have also been pointing out for years ?

Sadly people like him were quieter or simply ignored, in the days when PTP-MPs got their monthly loyalty-bonus, from the party.

If only there were more like him, and they were to form a political-party committed to representing the interests of the poor, but then who would ever want to finance them ?

Meanwhile the fragrant & photogenic former-PM, who had to have her arm twisted by her brother to ever stand for the job, has taken-up a management-role more in line with her abilities.

I wish her luck with that.

[cumgranosalum]

It's sad that the media aren't allowed to discuss this sort of subject fully, but it's sadder still that they make up articles that completely ignore reality and pose an idea that simply doesn't exist out of context like this. The "left" have never seen Thaksin as an ideological ally

Edited June 1, 2015 by cumgranosalum

[Oziex1]

"The clan is blaming everything on others, whereas the hardcore leftist academic is asking the family to take a good, hard look at itself."

This applies to all Thais, they need to have look at themselves and take responsibility for their own actions.