Thai editorial: Government is crowing over precious little

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Government is crowing over precious little
The Nation

Not much has been achieved on reform and reconciliation, so why is Prayut taking time to boast?

BANGKOK: -- The government will today formally list its accomplishments after a year in office. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his cabinet will be on hand for the unveiling of an exhibition outside the Government House that continues through Saturday.

Keeping the public informed is fine, and politicians can't be faulted for wanting to boast about gains they've made on the country's behalf. But this is, after all, a military-installed government, and Prayut goes on TV every Friday to declare what's been done and, to a lesser extent, what's in store next.

Since his first day in office the premier has repeatedly portrayed himself as a "volunteer" attempting to put the nation in order again following disruptive and too often deadly political strife. Reform and reconciliation - surely long-term goals - are at the top of his agenda, he says, yet the aim is not to cling to power but rather lay the foundation for the next administration.

This last statement is as "politically correct" as could be for a leader who so abruptly came to power. What's aggravating is that such pledges, requiring keen focus and urgent action, have to take a back seat whenever the government calls time out for self-promotion.

The public is looking forward to results on a far grander scale than what the government is delivering with its exhibition this week. To spend time and money advertising much more mundane achievements is simply crass.

We have seen little action on the bigger issues. On the contrary, reconciliation seems more remote than ever thanks to the government's suppression of its critics. How is heavy-handed use of the repressive lese majeste law in any way laying a "foundation" for the democratic regime to come?

Prayut will inevitably be the target of detractors, but he could easily sweep most of them aside by showing real progress on his chief proclaimed missions. The people will judge him based on tangible results in areas such as rising exports and other signs of an improving economy and the strict enforcement of laws other than the problematic lese majeste provisions.

With Prayut insisting that he must advertise his accomplishments, perhaps progress toward reform and reconciliation remains too abstract to discuss in his television addresses. It is also acknowledged that one year in office is too little to expect great advances in these areas, and that reform doesn't necessarily jibe with reconciliation.

However, one year is ample for Prayut and his Cabinet to have covered considerable ground on the big issues. Instead, determination is lacking in implementing policies and sticking to the task at hand, most importantly reform. Perhaps the administration has been preoccupied with matters that became unexpectedly urgent, such as the trafficking in people, the horrors exposed in the fishing industry and the sorry state of Thai aviation. The tendency has been to blame the messenger, to point the finger and those who reveal the problems, such as the news media and activists. Rather, the government should be thanking those who bring the crimes and the shortcomings to its attention. And then is should resolve the issues, which would soon silence the critics.

The one issue that has haunted this government more than any other is corruption. One of the central targets in its much-vaunted reform plans, corruption has slowed not at all, and in fact has now tainted the military itself. Allegations that senior officers demanded bribes from contractors bidding to help embellish the Army's Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin, though as yet unproved, suggest that graft exists even among the men formerly under Prayut's direct command.

The case is another urgent test for his regime, and it cannot remain unresolved when he eventually leaves office. It is a test - and also an opportunity to show that the government will not tolerate any corruption anywhere. Heal that disease and it would be an accomplishment worth trumpeting.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Government-is-crowing-over-precious-little-30275458.html


-- The Nation 2015-12-23

[jaywalker]

Well written article.

The country needed a thug to take charge. So sad that this thug is as crooked as they get, as well as a buffoon.

Pinochet was a thug.

Augusto Pinochet is probably remembered by most as a thug, but he marked the turning point for Chile. The country's economy is now booming.

--------------------------

From its beginning, the new military government implemented harsh measures against its perceived opponents.^[11] Various reports and investigations claim that between 1,200 and 3,200 people were killed, up to 80,000 people were interned and as many as 30,000 were tortured during the time Pinochet was in government.^[12][13][14] As of 2011, the official number of deaths and forced disappearances stands at 3,065.^[15]

Under the influence of the free market-oriented neoliberal "Chicago Boys", the military government implemented economic reforms, including currency stabilization, tariff cutting, opening Chile's markets to global trade, restricting labor unions, privatizing social security, and the privatization of hundreds of state-controlled industries. These policies produced what has been referred to as the "Miracle of Chile," but critics state that the government policies dramatically increased economic inequality.^[16] Chile was, for most of the 1990s, the best-performing economy in Latin America, though some academics continue to dispute the legacy of Pinochet's reforms.^[17]

^{https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusto_Pinochet}

^{---------------------}

^{Things have not gotten to that scale in Thailand........yet, but are approaching it as far as silencing opposition. Many people are forced into silence.}

^{I see no free market, economic reforms, nor tariff cutting on the horizon w/ Dr. No.}

^{Just dissenters in jail, many dying mysterious deaths.}

[halloween]

If one is to point the finger, clean hands add credibility.

[tbthailand]

Ah, now The LapDog isn't behaving... bad LapDog, bad LapDog... no biscuits for you!

BTW, LapDog, on this point,

corruption has slowed not at all, and in fact has now tainted the military itself.

correction, corruption has long since tainted the military itself and this is just the expected, above average taint of military corruption which occurs while military governments hold the reins of power in Thailand... no different than any other junta during the last 85 years.

[NongKhaiKid]

The PM boasting, never but he clearly hasn't learned that self praise is no praise.

[Plutojames88]

The day has arrived where action is needed.

The first manifestations will be a red card on its seafood industry perhaps ?

Pressure on human rights breaches in several other areas.

2016 might be this governments final one.

The sheer economic pressures applied could cause internal eruptions and bleed it to death politically.

[retarius]

Slavery, people trafficking, corruption in high places, economic meltdown, tourist industry in tatters (despite TAT's claims), farmers crying out for help, fishing sanctions looking imminent, thousands slain on the roads each year due to lack of any police enforcement of traffic laws….talk about fiddling while Rome burns…..but he has done the really important stuff like banning alcohol sales close to schools because the kids won't be able to buy it anywhere else but the bar nearest school, cleared the beaches of nasty chairs umbrellas, made totally meaningless and unworkable education reforms where teachers who can't speak English are charged with teaching the kids and moved a few street markets etcetera to fill everybody's heart to brimful with happiness.

[maoro2013]

Why is he called a PM anyway, this not a government, it is a military dictatorship.

[Srikcir]

If one is to point the finger, clean hands add credibility.

Better unclean hands than a lobotomy.

[Toknarok]

Slavery, people trafficking, corruption in high places, economic meltdown, tourist industry in tatters (despite TAT's claims), farmers crying out for help, fishing sanctions looking imminent, thousands slain on the roads each year due to lack of any police enforcement of traffic laws….talk about fiddling while Rome burns…..but he has done the really important stuff like banning alcohol sales close to schools because the kids won't be able to buy it anywhere else but the bar nearest school, cleared the beaches of nasty chairs umbrellas, made totally meaningless and unworkable education reforms where teachers who can't speak English are charged with teaching the kids and moved a few street markets etcetera to fill everybody's heart to brimful with happiness.

You forgot to mention that he fixed the price of lottery tickets......err on the other hand....err...err.

[naboo]

Attitude adjustment for the editor.

[Nowisee]

Why is he called a PM anyway, this not a government, it is a military dictatorship.

Bam! This is a good question.

One definition is: the head of an elected government

Another is: a supreme ruler

And: possessing supreme or ultimate powers

Which one do you suppose he uses when talking about himself in the mirror ?

[madmitch]

Slavery, people trafficking, corruption in high places, economic meltdown, tourist industry in tatters (despite TAT's claims), farmers crying out for help, fishing sanctions looking imminent, thousands slain on the roads each year due to lack of any police enforcement of traffic laws….talk about fiddling while Rome burns…..but he has done the really important stuff like banning alcohol sales close to schools because the kids won't be able to buy it anywhere else but the bar nearest school, cleared the beaches of nasty chairs umbrellas, made totally meaningless and unworkable education reforms where teachers who can't speak English are charged with teaching the kids and moved a few street markets etcetera to fill everybody's heart to brimful with happiness.

You forgot the lottery tickets!

[WhizBang]

The day has arrived where action is needed.

The first manifestations will be a red card on its seafood industry perhaps ?

Pressure on human rights breaches in several other areas.

2016 might be this governments final one.

The sheer economic pressures applied could cause internal eruptions and bleed it to death politically.

Yes, there is economic pressure, but the dam is yet to burst. What I think could be the straw that will break the camel's back, may well be the drought and the way the junta is treating the farmers.

Either way, I think 2016 could prove to be quite an interesting year, and a decisive, if not troubling, year for the junta.

IF, and when, they ever get a new charter written and accepted, I do hope it includes something that reigns in the power of the military in this country.

[Baerboxer]

The day has arrived where action is needed.

The first manifestations will be a red card on its seafood industry perhaps ?

Pressure on human rights breaches in several other areas.

2016 might be this governments final one.

The sheer economic pressures applied could cause internal eruptions and bleed it to death politically.

Yes, there is economic pressure, but the dam is yet to burst. What I think could be the straw that will break the camel's back, may well be the drought and the way the junta is treating the farmers.

Either way, I think 2016 could prove to be quite an interesting year, and a decisive, if not troubling, year for the junta.

IF, and when, they ever get a new charter written and accepted, I do hope it includes something that reigns in the power of the military in this country.

Agree. There will be some very serious problems in 2016 around water supply. The way that is handled and managed by well break the camel's back.

All that fine talk of reform, tackling corruption, bringing corrupt former politicians and civil servants to justice, law enforcement etc - and now seems little if any progress has been made.

The usual mishmash of lies, corruption, people above and beyond the law, and the rich and powerful escaping accountability.

Seems more has been exposed, but then little really done about it, and those involved might be the wrong ones to mess with.

In short, what's really changed? One group at the top for another.

[Nowisee]

Slavery, people trafficking, corruption in high places, economic meltdown, tourist industry in tatters (despite TAT's claims), farmers crying out for help, fishing sanctions looking imminent, thousands slain on the roads each year due to lack of any police enforcement of traffic laws….talk about fiddling while Rome burns…..but he has done the really important stuff like banning alcohol sales close to schools because the kids won't be able to buy it anywhere else but the bar nearest school, cleared the beaches of nasty chairs umbrellas, made totally meaningless and unworkable education reforms where teachers who can't speak English are charged with teaching the kids and moved a few street markets etcetera to fill everybody's heart to brimful with happiness.

When you spell it all (and there's more I'm sure) out, it really looks sad.

[scotchonrocks]

The two things that can turn Thailand around are not on the horizon and seemingly impossible from what can be gauged today.

1) Stamping out corruption.

2) Bridging the gap between haves and have nots.

in the absence of a strong hand of the likes of a Lee Kwan Yew, there is no future for Thailand on its current trajectory.

I am not saying the man was perfect, but he set Singapore onto a good path initially. First thing he did was to stamp out corruption and set about economic reforms that guaranteed everyone a roof over their head and access to running water, electricity and a job to get by on. Sure locking up the opposition was not nice and while I don't advocate that, how do things get done in Thailand in the conventional democratic way?

[elgordo38]

The day has arrived where action is needed.

The first manifestations will be a red card on its seafood industry perhaps ?

Pressure on human rights breaches in several other areas.

2016 might be this governments final one.

The sheer economic pressures applied could cause internal eruptions and bleed it to death politically.

Yes, there is economic pressure, but the dam is yet to burst. What I think could be the straw that will break the camel's back, may well be the drought and the way the junta is treating the farmers.

Either way, I think 2016 could prove to be quite an interesting year, and a decisive, if not troubling, year for the junta.

IF, and when, they ever get a new charter written and accepted, I do hope it includes something that reigns in the power of the military in this country.

According to the nice lady in the military uniform we will have 5% growth next year although some forecast a world wide recession. Was Superman Thai?

[Benmart]

Why is he called a PM anyway, this not a government, it is a military dictatorship.

I was issued a 10 day TVF ban for using the ¨D¨¨ word and the word handbook¨. Glad to see the word is alive and well used.

[tbthailand]

The day has arrived where action is needed.

The first manifestations will be a red card on its seafood industry perhaps ?

Pressure on human rights breaches in several other areas.

2016 might be this governments final one.

The sheer economic pressures applied could cause internal eruptions and bleed it to death politically.

Yes, there is economic pressure, but the dam is yet to burst. What I think could be the straw that will break the camel's back, may well be the drought and the way the junta is treating the farmers.

Either way, I think 2016 could prove to be quite an interesting year, and a decisive, if not troubling, year for the junta.

IF, and when, they ever get a new charter written and accepted, I do hope it includes something that reigns in the power of the military in this country.

Agree. There will be some very serious problems in 2016 around water supply. The way that is handled and managed by well break the camel's back.

All that fine talk of reform, tackling corruption, bringing corrupt former politicians and civil servants to justice, law enforcement etc - and now seems little if any progress has been made.

The usual mishmash of lies, corruption, people above and beyond the law, and the rich and powerful escaping accountability.

Seems more has been exposed, but then little really done about it, and those involved might be the wrong ones to mess with.

In short, what's really changed? One group at the top for another.

oh, Baer, sooooo much has changed.

See, you are 100% correct that the corruption remains the same, the lies remain the same, the problems to be solved (the real ones) remain the same, and you are right that nothing significant is being done about it.

But everything has changed. The people have NO recourse to toss out a bunch of losers because this government is a government of a minuscule number of people which has been imposed on the entire country so that this minuscule number of people have total control of Thailand, her organs of government, her resources, and even her people... for ... and let's be kind, "for the foreseeable future".

And while not one real issue is being tackled by this self-appointed "government", the people in charge have been very busy purging, neutering and seeking revenge on their opponents. They have been on an imaginary witch hunt locking up dozens and dozens of people under article-cant-talk-about-it-any-more, and they have forced dozens more into exile... They have trampled almost every single human right that you can imagine in order to build up their own image, crush any and all dissent, and to cover up every exposure of their own unsavoury behaviour.

So, yes, everything has changed and there is no peaceful path to toss these bozos out on their ears as the country would normally do under a (real, not fake) democratic system. The only "peaceful" means is to wait and hope that there is something left over when the generals leave... Unfortunately, this time around, we seem to be looking at a general who is in no hurry to leave. If he ever does, it will be a fake departure under a constitution which allows him and his friends to continue with the same real control over the country while elections will produce governments that are no more real than my daughter's imagination with her toy oven, pots & pans, and dolls...

Sure the corruption and lies remain, ... but everything else has changed...

[Nowisee]

oh, Baer, sooooo much has changed.

See, you are 100% correct that the corruption remains the same, the lies remain the same, the problems to be solved (the real ones) remain the same, and you are right that nothing significant is being done about it.

But everything has changed. The people have NO recourse to toss out a bunch of losers because this government is a government of a minuscule number of people which has been imposed on the entire country so that this minuscule number of people have total control of Thailand, her organs of government, her resources, and even her people... for ... and let's be kind, "for the foreseeable future".

And while not one real issue is being tackled by this self-appointed "government", the people in charge have been very busy purging, neutering and seeking revenge on their opponents. They have been on an imaginary witch hunt locking up dozens and dozens of people under article-cant-talk-about-it-any-more, and they have forced dozens more into exile... They have trampled almost every single human right that you can imagine in order to build up their own image, crush any and all dissent, and to cover up every exposure of their own unsavoury behaviour.

So, yes, everything has changed and there is no peaceful path to toss these bozos out on their ears as the country would normally do under a (real, not fake) democratic system. The only "peaceful" means is to wait and hope that there is something left over when the generals leave... Unfortunately, this time around, we seem to be looking at a general who is in no hurry to leave. If he ever does, it will be a fake departure under a constitution which allows him and his friends to continue with the same real control over the country while elections will produce governments that are no more real than my daughter's imagination with her toy oven, pots & pans, and dolls...

Sure the corruption and lies remain, ... but everything else has changed...

Nicely written.

The one aspect, I sometimes ponder at night, is...will the self appointed supreme leader pull a Ferdinand Marcos kleptocracy. When people have this much power and little no accountability, nothing good results... history has shown this.