Thai editorial: We need to be BETTER PREPARED for democracy

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EDITORIAL
We need to be BETTER PREPARED for democracy

THAILAND IS STILL SPINNING ITS WHEELS IN THE POLITICAL MUCK AFTER EIGHT DECADES OF CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY. |THE NEW CHARTER PROMISES MORE TRACTION, BUT WE NEED TO BE BETTER DRIVERS

BANGKOK: -- Yesterday was the 83rd anniversary of the revolution of 1932 that exchanged absolute monarchy for constitutional monarchy, inaugurating Western-style democracy in Siam reborn as Thailand.

Socially and economically, Thailand has come a long way since then. It is now a middle-income country with a large middle-class sector. But, on the political front, we continue to witness dramatic ups and downs. In those 83 years there have been 13 military coups and - since the first constitution was promulgated on December 10, 1932 - 18 more of them. We remain mired in an often-vicious cycle of elections, corruption, protests and clampdowns.

The most recent coups, in 2006 and last year, were staged after elected governments were accused of corruption and abusing their power, both times triggering street protests that ended in mayhem as supporters and detractors of the politicians in power pursued strategies of confrontation. In both cases the coup-makers cited as their rationale the need to prevent further violence and restore peace.

Western countries - notably the big powers Britain, France, the United States, Germany and Italy - took centuries to become "fully democratic". For many idealists, Western-style democracy should be Thailand's ultimate goal. Others caution against strictly following in the West's footsteps, since developing countries like Thailand can instead mould democracy to better suit their historical and cultural traits.

The question remains, however, as to whether Thai society has the political and social culture that can nurture democracy in any form. Perhaps the revolution of 1932 was premature, coming at a time when few Siamese even knew what democracy entailed. Even today, more than eight decades later, our society retains traits that run

counter to democratic principles.

Decision-making at the national level is still a top-down affair. The public at large has limited involvement in the process and, even when it does, when elections are held, its choices are often influenced by promises of fast cash or longer-term benefits.

Nor do we have a large segment of the populace that's fully prepared to live in a democracy. Most people are aware that they have specific rights and liberties guaranteed by law, but too often they forget that they also have responsibilities under the law, such as respecting the rights of their fellow citizens.

It's to be hoped that the current state of affairs - rule by a military-led government, even as drawn-out as it's become - is just a hiccough on the road to fully liberal democracy. Political rights and liberties have been restricted under the National Council for Peace and Order, but this is expected to be only temporary. With reforms in place and improved rules in the new constitution, we hope that Thailand's political development will soon be surging forward like never before, with no fresh roadblocks appearing on the horizon.

In addition to changes to the political structure and system, the "people factor" is crucial to improving our chances. What should also be undertaken are the education of the young as to the benefits and responsibilities of democracy and the encouraging of every citizen to demonstrate democratic traits. The country needs to be better prepared when it returns to the democratic path.

Educating the public and making society more democratically minded might help end the vicious cycle in politics and pave the way forward. It might take several more decades to achieve this goal, but the earlier we start, the closer we are to our destination.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Regional-agenda-is-gaining-MOMENTUM-in-Bangkok-30263056.html


-- The Nation 2015-06-25

[EnzoRippo]

There is no "Western-style democracy" or "Asian Way". This was just trick from Mahatir and other despots to justify their practices. Human Rights, Respect of the Person, etc. are the same everywhere.

[bamnutsak]

"Nor do we have a large segment of the populace that's fully prepared to live in a democracy."

Yes, when your position is indefensible, by all means blame the "victim".

Even this claptrap can't be repeated enough to become "believable".

[oneday]

This article is total hogwash.

EnzoRippo is right. There is no such thing as Western style Democracy. That is said by people who need an excuse to bend a new constitution to their purposes and not for the people of Thailand.

[Emster23]

They keep ripping seedlings out of the ground then wonder why they have no flowers. Democracy requires some time to mature, ought to be "self correcting' via ballot box, but seems right wing military sector has found coups possess irresistible charm. And education of populace as to qualities that make viable democracy in sore need. An uphill battle for sure. The longest journey begins with a single step, unless you are tripped and/or have Achilles tendons cut.

[yimlitnoy]

This article used a lot of words to say nothing.

[Thaddeus]

This article used a lot of words to say nothing.

It's a tradition here.

Words have many, not do, too hard, no money me.

[LannaGuy]

'better prepared' actually means 'we have not yet worked out how to fix it so that yellows will win' but they will find a way, I believe, and then trumpet it as 'democracy'

it'll last a decade or so, if that

[chainarong]

The Magna carta was signed 8oo years ago and we are still getting our heads around it so why would Thailand be anything but a shamozzle after 8 decades of constitutional monarchy , Thailand has just taken the baby steps, there's lots of light at the end of the tunnel, but to get there will take time patience and freedom of expression , however great news with all the Coups you are on the right track , well you will be after you get rid of this current crowd of righteous non events.

[tigermoth]

The article is a load of hogwash. As EnzoRippo says there is no such thing as western democracy. Free speech, respect for human rights regardless of race or colour, respect for the law, are all fundamentals to civilization. If the government looked after those simple rights of all, instead of lining their own pockets this country would be a thriving economy. Social welfare, respect for the law and good education for all, (not just the wealthy}, are the basis of any civilization. Even animals in nature have this. The government, particularly the present unelected one seems to forget this. The government is an organization by the people, for the people. It is there to serve the people, not the other way around.

[Thaddeus]

The article is a load of hogwash. As EnzoRippo says there is no such thing as western democracy. Free speech, respect for human rights regardless of race or colour, respect for the law, are all fundamentals to civilization. If the government looked after those simple rights of all, instead of lining their own pockets this country would be a thriving economy. Social welfare, respect for the law and good education for all, (not just the wealthy}, are the basis of any civilization. Even animals in nature have this. The government, particularly the present unelected one seems to forget this. The government is an organization by the people, for the people. It is there to serve the people, not the other way around.

Animals do not have a deep rooted desire for uniforms, titles, medals and big cars.

[djlest]

Democracy is for grown ups

Adults are for children, if adults are not available a dictatorship will do

[Srikcir]

Eight decades of constitutional monarchial system of governance interrrupted by twelve military coups might suggest another democractic model should be considered.

Then maybe Thais can be bettered prepared for democracy.

[huangnon]

Democracy is earned, not given. Confucian toadying, rote-learning, money-worshipping, Constitution-rewriting compromises will not somehow bestow Democracy on a nation of people who don't really deserve it.

[toybits]

I thought that in a Democracy - Civilian Authority Ruled Supreme over Military and Police and even the Judiciary. Is that even here?

[JAG]

The article is a load of hogwash. As EnzoRippo says there is no such thing as western democracy. Free speech, respect for human rights regardless of race or colour, respect for the law, are all fundamentals to civilization. If the government looked after those simple rights of all, instead of lining their own pockets this country would be a thriving economy. Social welfare, respect for the law and good education for all, (not just the wealthy}, are the basis of any civilization. Even animals in nature have this. The government, particularly the present unelected one seems to forget this. The government is an organization by the people, for the people. It is there to serve the people, not the other way around.

I really couldn't agree more.

I would further underscore that this should apply to governments of all political persuasions, in other words the" reds" (who yes I tend to favour) and the present bunch.

[elgordo38]

There is no "Western-style democracy" or "Asian Way". This was just trick from Mahatir and other despots to justify their practices. Human Rights, Respect of the Person, etc. are the same everywhere.

Human greed big business profits big government every man for himself attitude trumps everything else Human rights, respect of the person we are now just a cog in the wheel of big business. If one cog breaks there are lots of replacements. Other countries are learning from "Western Style Democracy" where when you got a mans face in the mud you put your boot on the back of his neck and keep him down. We used to worry about our fellow man now its every man for himself. Big Business has got us divided and that is to their liking. The old saying "United we stand divided we fall" was never more true. We are going from children in slavery over a 100 years ago to adult slavery today. Our total numbers on this small planet belie our problem. As our population increases big businesses is finding more ways to make us all redundant. I am not a religious person but sometimes I think the bible is a good road map to our future. Read Revelations.

[jcsmith]

For there to ever be a real democracy a couple things need to happen:

1) The army needs to be controlled by the ruling government.

2) Anyone performing a coup should be dealt with as a traitor to that government.

As is, any time there is an election, the "wrong" side wins, there are protests everywhere for whatever reason they can think of, and then eventually the coup sets in and resets it all back to ground zero.