BURNING ISSUE
Concept of 'transitional democracy' needs explanation
PIYAPORN WONGRUANG
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- LAST WEEK, Thailand was introduced to the concept of "transitional democracy" - a term that has left many wondering.

However, Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC)'s chairman Borwornsak Uwanno, who came up with the term, appeared to be ready with answers. He introduced the term to the press at the first round of meetings held to elaborate on the "essence of the draft charter" after it was completed last Tuesday.

He explained that since the Kingdom was in a transitional period, what it needs now is a "transitional democracy", not a Western-style "full-fledged" democracy.

Borwornsak appears to have realised that the society has become jumpy since the coup, which is probably why he has tried to be cautious about what he says.

He seems to want to avoid the term "quasi-democracy", and prefers "not yet full-fledged" instead. To be specific, he is insisting on the term "transitional democracy", saying it will take at least five years for it to bloom into a full-fledged democracy.

Borwornsak explained the term by saying, "transitional democracy is aimed at patching up differences, promoting reconciliation and navigating the country towards 'reform'."

To materialise these goals, the next government will be running the country using a new mechanism that will help it with reform and reconciliation, he said. And in times of crisis, this mechanism will be used to prevent the country from falling apart, he added.

Borwornsak put forward a set of reasons to justify the content of the new charter. He said the CDC had tried its best to find a model that fits the country's situation, pointing out that for the past decade, Thailand has been plagued with corruption and deep divides - all due to Western democratic values.

He recounted that in the last 10 years, two constitutions had been torn up and an elected government replaced with a military regime. Hence, he reasoned, on the one hand you have a failed "full-fledged democracy" and on the other, a coup waiting to happen.

In order to chart a course out of this dilemma, he explained, the CDC had decided to write a charter that gave life to a "transitional democracy", which would grow and develop into a full-fledged one.

"After seeing things fall apart, I would like to ask if we want it again - a Western-style democracy?" he asked.

This question certainly requires contemplation.

For starters, it should have been posed from the very start, so the public too could have considered it. Instead, the CDC discussed and decided on every item included in the charter behind doors that were firmly closed. Hence, now presenting a charter - which in essence would turn the country toward a new path - the CDC risks it being rejected by the people.

This Sunday, the National Reform Council (NRC) will vote on the draft charter, and if it approves it, it implies that the concept of a "transitional democracy" is acceptable.

After that, Thais will have some five or six months before they go through a referendum and make their voices heard about the charter.

The concept of a "transitional democracy" is very new and people need to understand it before making a decision.

The CDC cannot sit back and say it has finished its work. Perhaps it should explain the concept clearly so people can make an informed decision.

After all, citizens have the right to know and decide what course their country will take in the future.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Concept-of-transitional-democracy-needs-explanatio-30268098.html


-- The Nation 2015-09-04

Mind boggling disenguous. Because the military has seized power in twice in 10 years Thailand isn't ready for democracy. How about the problem lies with the military's ability to circumvent the people's wishes by seizing power is the problem. Basically this new charter theoretically removes that risk because the military doesn't relinquish power this time.

Mind boggling disenguous. Because the military has seized power in twice in 10 years Thailand isn't ready for democracy. How about the problem lies with the military's ability to circumvent the people's wishes by seizing power is the problem. Basically this new charter theoretically removes that risk because the military doesn't relinquish power this time.

You're quite right. It's like saying that since you've been raped repeatedly by the same guy you better speed your legs for him whenever he wants some to avoid any trauma.

Un effin' believable!

"Thailand has been plagued with corruption and deep divides - all due to Western democratic values"

I just knew those pesky foreigners were behind it all..........again.

The concept of transitional democracy is perfectly clear, and is fully understood in Thailand and Internationally.

Essentially it can be defined as: the people have consistently elected governments which we, the established ruling classes, dislike. These governments threaten our grip on power and our access to the nation's wealth, which should be used for our benefit and not the general population. Therefore we are instituting a system of government which will emasculate the electoral process and ensure that no matter who is elected we will remain in power.

PS: we won't allow any real protest, and if you are thinking of protesting don't forget what our army did in 2010.

PPS: Suthep backs us, and he speaks for the great masses of the people, so it's democratic anyway.

I've become skeptical of anyone who says they're "in transition."

Mind boggling disenguous. Because the military has seized power in twice in 10 years Thailand isn't ready for democracy. How about the problem lies with the military's ability to circumvent the people's wishes by seizing power is the problem. Basically this new charter theoretically removes that risk because the military doesn't relinquish power this time.

Look why the military has seized power.....they didn't do it for fun. Both times it was a last minute rescue for Thailand. Better a coup than civil war.

Mind boggling disenguous. Because the military has seized power in twice in 10 years Thailand isn't ready for democracy. How about the problem lies with the military's ability to circumvent the people's wishes by seizing power is the problem. Basically this new charter theoretically removes that risk because the military doesn't relinquish power this time.

Look why the military has seized power.....they didn't do it for fun. Both times it was a last minute rescue for Thailand. Better a coup than civil war.

The military rescued the country from something it helped plan and stood by and let happen. This because a certain event will happen in the not too distant future which we aren't allowed to talk about.

"Borwornsak explained the term by saying, "transitional democracy is aimed at patching up differences, promoting reconciliation and navigating the country towards 'reform'."

​I still have no idea what is going to be put in place to achieve these targets for social and behavioral changes. It will be a huge multi-disciplinary team to achieve this. So much damage has been perpetrated over the last 25 years by successive administrations, the public service, media and individuals. Where do you start ?

One thing bothers me about the word 'reform', usually to me it means "do as I say or you shall be punished".

Mind boggling disenguous. Because the military has seized power in twice in 10 years Thailand isn't ready for democracy. How about the problem lies with the military's ability to circumvent the people's wishes by seizing power is the problem. Basically this new charter theoretically removes that risk because the military doesn't relinquish power this time.

Look why the military has seized power.....they didn't do it for fun. Both times it was a last minute rescue for Thailand. Better a coup than civil war.

The military rescued the country from something it helped plan and stood by and let happen. This because a certain event will happen in the not too distant future which we aren't allowed to talk about.

The did not let it happen....they had lots of checkpoints but still couldn't block the red terrorists.

'Transitional Democracy'

"Thailand has been plagued with corruption and deep divides - all due to Western democratic values.'

This is an exercise in deceit, pure and simple. Put forward by someone who has less credibility than an insurance salesman.

Mr Uwanno appears to have supreme contempt for the intelligence of Thais whose intelligence is low as a result of 6+decades of educational deprivation, but who still know an elitist scam when they see one.

"Thailand has been plagued with corruption and deep divides - all due to Western democratic values"

I just knew those pesky foreigners were behind it all..........again.

Can I sue him for defamation?

The pooyai are speaking people. This is the truth of what pooyai Thais think of democracy and western values.

This is the pooyai lying completely to the people and the people are meant to say "krapom".

What a sneaky piece of **** these people are.

Concept of 'transitional democracy' needs explanation

not transitional,

not democracy...

Job done.

"Thailand has been plagued with corruption and deep divides - all due to Western democratic values"

I just knew those pesky foreigners were behind it all..........again.

Well, he sums it up: "After all, citizens have the right to know and decide what course their country will take in the future." He is likely referring to the big money politics that get candidates into office in the US. I'm sure the average Thai on the street does not want that kind of democracy again!

Borwornsak put forward a set of reasons to justify the content of the new charter. He said the CDC had tried its best to find a model that fits the country's situation, pointing out that for the past decade, Thailand has been plagued with corruption and deep divides - all due to Western democratic values.

If that statement doesn't immediately raise the "he could be lying to us" red-flag in your mind, then ....

you might be a junta-hugger

Mind boggling disenguous. Because the military has seized power in twice in 10 years Thailand isn't ready for democracy. How about the problem lies with the military's ability to circumvent the people's wishes by seizing power is the problem. Basically this new charter theoretically removes that risk because the military doesn't relinquish power this time.

Look why the military has seized power.....they didn't do it for fun. Both times it was a last minute rescue for Thailand. Better a coup than civil war.

Better a coup than civil war.

sir, there was NEVER any remote possibility of a civil war.

In theater, the curtain always comes down at the end of the play.

That was May 22, 2014.

Mind boggling disenguous. Because the military has seized power in twice in 10 years Thailand isn't ready for democracy. How about the problem lies with the military's ability to circumvent the people's wishes by seizing power is the problem. Basically this new charter theoretically removes that risk because the military doesn't relinquish power this time.

Look why the military has seized power.....they didn't do it for fun. Both times it was a last minute rescue for Thailand. Better a coup than civil war.

Oh, you naive, gullible man, you!

Mind boggling disenguous. Because the military has seized power in twice in 10 years Thailand isn't ready for democracy. How about the problem lies with the military's ability to circumvent the people's wishes by seizing power is the problem. Basically this new charter theoretically removes that risk because the military doesn't relinquish power this time.

Look why the military has seized power.....they didn't do it for fun. Both times it was a last minute rescue for Thailand. Better a coup than civil war.

On neither of the two occasions on which the military has sized power this century ( doesn't sound too bad until you realize that is only 2016!) has it been to forestall a civil war. On both occasions it has been to stop an election which was likely to return a government which they (or more accurately those they serve) did not wish to see elected.

If anything is going to lead to civil war it will be their persistence in thwarting the will of the electorate.

Hence, he reasoned, on the one hand you have a failed "full-fledged democracy" and on the other, a coup waiting to happen.

he calls that "reasoning"?

How's this for reasoning. Thailand's oldest currently active political party which represents the interests of the guys with guns and money, the Democrats, are complete political nimrods and cannot win an election to save their lives, therefore "full-fledged democracy" is a coup waiting to happen...

From wiki:

The Democrat Party was founded by Khuang Aphaiwong on April 6, 1946, as a conservative and royalist party, following the January 1946 elections. Early members included royalists opposed to Pridi Phanomyong and former Seri Thai underground resistance members

not much has changed...

They're forever re-polishing this t*rd in an effort to shine it up and get everyone to eat it, even though it looks like poop, smells like poop and gunks up your shows like poop.

Maybe just re-brand it "Democracy you'll like, or else"?

Mind boggling disenguous. Because the military has seized power in twice in 10 years Thailand isn't ready for democracy. How about the problem lies with the military's ability to circumvent the people's wishes by seizing power is the problem. Basically this new charter theoretically removes that risk because the military doesn't relinquish power this time.

If you do something long enough or many times you eventually get it right well in their mind anyways. All you need to do now is to do a snow job on the people and make them believe this is good for them the poor that is. Does it ever snow in Thailand?

I've become skeptical of anyone who says they're "in transition."

There you had to go spoil it. I always thought that life was a transitional process. I still have to do one more transitional step to see what is on the other side. I kind of lean towards the 72 virgins part. If that part is true I hope I also get a new younger body all this one could do is sit and watch.

Mind boggling disenguous. Because the military has seized power in twice in 10 years Thailand isn't ready for democracy. How about the problem lies with the military's ability to circumvent the people's wishes by seizing power is the problem. Basically this new charter theoretically removes that risk because the military doesn't relinquish power this time.

Look why the military has seized power.....they didn't do it for fun. Both times it was a last minute rescue for Thailand. Better a coup than civil war.

Yes big brother does know best. Every fight must have a referee. Well back to my reading this book by George Orwell 1984 is really interesting.

You should be careful about what you read. That book is not liked by the junta, and that really says it all!

Borwornsak explained the term by saying, "transitional democracy is aimed at patching up differences, promoting reconciliation and navigating the country towards 'reform'."

Seen any patching up, reconciliation and meaningful reforms lately?? Borwornsak sure know how to speak with fork tongue.

Mind boggling disenguous. Because the military has seized power in twice in 10 years Thailand isn't ready for democracy. How about the problem lies with the military's ability to circumvent the people's wishes by seizing power is the problem. Basically this new charter theoretically removes that risk because the military doesn't relinquish power this time.

Look why the military has seized power.....they didn't do it for fun. Both times it was a last minute rescue for Thailand. Better a coup than civil war.

Yes big brother does know best. Every fight must have a referee. Well back to my reading this book by George Orwell 1984 is really interesting.

And it would be better if you replace Prayut with Thaksin?

Mind boggling disenguous. Because the military has seized power in twice in 10 years Thailand isn't ready for democracy. How about the problem lies with the military's ability to circumvent the people's wishes by seizing power is the problem. Basically this new charter theoretically removes that risk because the military doesn't relinquish power this time.

Look why the military has seized power.....they didn't do it for fun. Both times it was a last minute rescue for Thailand. Better a coup than civil war.

Better a coup than civil war.

sir, there was NEVER any remote possibility of a civil war.

In theater, the curtain always comes down at the end of the play.

That was May 22, 2014.

There were many in yellow demonstrations who wanted to shoot back and the red shirts already did already military training (even they made it very stupid). You remember the yellows got shot and in some cases the shot back....so it begins. And there are enough guns in the South.

And because it just fits nice: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/853426-anti-yingluck-govt-protest-big-c-grenade-attackers-jailed-for-life/

I went to the BMW dealer the other day. He suggested, since I didn't have enough money for a full-fledged modern BMW, that I should consider a transitional BMW.

The problem in Thailand is no one really knows actually what the electorate wants or who they really would vote for. Many of the prior elected politicians bought their votes and gave certain Districts loads of 'pork'' If a real vote were held- in which all vote buying and concessions were able to be stopped- we all might be surprised who will emerge. Thailand has followed the United States example of Materialistic Democracy and Capitalism. It is starting to implode in the United States and has imploded already in Thailand. Most Thais I know support the coup and the government in place. The Generals are trying to root out as much corruption as possible and doing a better job than any of the politicians that came before them, If an election were held today and General Prayut ran- he would win. He is a straight talker sometimes irritated by nonsense questions and not a politician. The Shin Clique attempted to stay in power through money politics, not because they loved their country, but because they loved themselves. They even sold one of the key telcoms they owned to a foreign country-Singapore- an indication that they could care less about Thailand. Do the Red Shirts have a just cause. They do and so do the rest of other Thais.However, there are ways to express these causes without violence. There are a lot of things that need reforming in Thailand and a need for long standing traditions to remain in place as well as preservation of Thai culture. I believe the General is a Thai patriot who could no longer sit by while his country was burning . It doesn't matter really what any of us think. It is up to the Thai people to chart their own destiny. We may live here, but we live as guests.