Thai opinion: Will reform OVERSTAY its welcome?

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STOPPAGE TIME
Will reform OVERSTAY its welcome?

The resurgence of the "reform-before-election" idea has met with three different responses.

BANGKOK: -- One group of people shrieked their approval, the second grunted their dissent and sent their toys flying out of the pram, and the third scratched their heads and asked "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Each bunch had its reason for responding as it did.

For many observers, "reform before an election" is another term for "extension of [military] power". Interim Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who with each passing day seems to like the word "interim" less and less, is well aware of that. He has thus given an instruction - I'm not quite sure to whom - that if people want reform before an election, it would have to be done in a way that makes him look good (or not too bad).

The issue is now the hottest political topic of conversation. But scrutinise recent developments carefully and you can see the explosive question was bound to be asked. The overriding sentiment among politicians, charter drafters and observers seems to be that it would be better to delay the election rather than hold it under a lousy Constitution. Even former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan, after taking one look at the charter draft, suggested he wouldn't mind waiting a bit longer.

Then we have Suthep Thaugsuban, who says he is ready to leave the monkhood to pursue "unfinished business". We all recall how, when he was on the streets leading a massive campaign against the Yingluck administration, Suthep balked at an immediate election when Parliament was dissolved. With that decision, Thailand's political divide went from "high definition" to "ultra-high definition".

Last but not least, the current "reform-before-election" proposal could never have emerged so smoothly were it not for one man. Thaksin Shinawatra was like a soccer player who conceded a last-minute penalty while his team were leading by a goal. His interview in Seoul just a few days ago helped turn the tide in Prayut's favour and the match is now poised to go into extra time.

Prayut's situation looked shaky before the inexplicable development in Seoul. He was being scrutinised over the economy, the charter draft was receiving brickbats from left, right and centre, and Western powers were renewing their pressure. The prime minister was a few press-conference tantrums away from being splashed on a Time magazine cover under the headline "Losing It". Then Thaksin popped up to give THAT interview, and even Pheu Thai bigwigs' jaws dropped.

Focus on the economy has given way to stories about the cancellation of Thaksin's passport. The charter draft remains bad, all right, but everyone has been reminded what a bad charter can do to a bad situation. Prayut's press-conference moodiness has been overshadowed by calls that Thaksin be stripped of his senior police rank. Without THAT interview, Prayut would not have declared "I'm prepared to stay a while longer" with such composure and ease.

Unsurprisingly, some Thais cheered, while others (several foreign governments included) cursed. As for the third group, the fact is they don't really know what "reform before election" means. Reform is a very abstract word, and when it's used abstractly, it's very hard to define. The key question regarding "reform before an election" is: How do we know when the reform has taken place?

If Prayut or Suthep can answer that question, we would like to hear from them. What measure can be used to judge that we have been "reformed"? It isn't easy, is it? Should the enactment of a new charter be regarded as completion of reform? Should reform mean unequivocal political peace? Should reform cover an end to government corruption?

Last but not least, isn't an election supposed to be the test of reforms or a measure that reform has been completed? Without an election, how can we know that reform has begun, is ongoing, or has come to an end?

We Thais have landed ourselves with another great paradox. Maybe the word "reform" should never have been attached to "elections". But that idea would certainly cause frowns, because it seems to take "reform" further away from "democracy".

It's anybody's guess what will happen if Prayut does extend his stay. Should he do so, a priority would be to have someone

rewrite "that song" we hear every evening - especially the "It won’t take long" part.

Seriously, though, "reform" and "democracy" are noble concepts. When people use them in cutthroat political games, paradoxical questions are inevitable. Come to think of it, those who want "reform before an election" or "election before reform" are very much alike. Each side of the divide wants a better future and assumes that its path towards it is absolutely right. When that happens - when both sides of a conflict won't budge an inch - the chicken-and-egg situation goes from humorous to dangerous.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Will-reform-OVERSTAY-its-welcome-30261972.html


-- The Nation 2015-06-10

[Srikcir]

How do we know when the reform has taken place?

Simple.

When power of the minority becomes permanent without the need for future military coups.

[Ulic]

If both the Reds and Yellows don't like the draft of the constitution then it must be on the right track.

[ldiablo]

Me thinks someone will be called in for an attitude readjustment.

[Plutojames88]

This article makes a few assumptions......

Unlike the General who is a comedy source with Gaffs ....Thaksin is very considered.

He is very aware of things he says and does.

He simply was telling his viewpoints.

Elites will try and pretend it was ill considered and western countries included cussed at the error.

But those same countries presented him on channels like CNN with text on screen spelling out statement after Statement , in clear support of his views.

The thing with this propaganda machine is it tries to convince like an intruder into someone's bedroom it has good intent.

It spends so much energy pretending it has a right to be there.

Yet the international community simply calls a spade a spade......and Thaksin isn't the villain in their script.

Nor the idiot ......

I tend to think he is even getting advise on what to do and say next.

Along with his sister ....

If the elites want to take on international forces of opinion .....good luck with it.

If your a legitimate Government is bad enough.....if your a third world military dictatorship preventing freedoms , the only own goal is theirs in this game.

It's laughable they ( the elites ) have enough intelligence to con the world .

Won't happen.

Edited June 10, 2015 by Plutojames88

[Calimotty]

What reform?

Mere window dressing exercises just don't cut it with the Thai majority or the international community.

An interesting exercise/cure for this country would be to outlaw Thais receiving any form of cosmetic surgery and make them live without just one small part of this bullshit denial culture they have immersed themselves in for centuries.

All those poor little rich girls though out the country get to stay home Saturday night and use there faces to make gorilla cookies.

It's out of control through out Thai (Hi / Low) Society just look at the lady boys they just have to have the false breasts that are at least twice as big as their own heads. Or I shy you know.Cannot !

Edited June 10, 2015 by Calimotty

[Thai at Heart]

Hasn't it already?