Democracy or political irresponsibility

Democracy or political irresponsibility

FOUR MONTHS AFTER THE COUP

Middle class needs to help break the cycle of inept or corrupt leaders by active participation, academics say

Many political and social critics believe that after four months in power, it is now clear the Thai public should not expect much change from the military junta and new government it put in place.

It has only been four months, but it is fair to say that the junta hasn't been living up to expectations.

What is more important, they say, is for Thais, especially the middle class, to take responsibility for their role in perpetuating the ongoing cycle of inept and corrupt leadership and not only demand, but actively participate in the democracy they claim they really want.

How can the middle class take responsibility when it has brainwashed for decades that it is superior to the peasantry in every way? The Thai middle class neither believes it is equal to the elite nor to the farmers. The middle class kow tows to the monarchy and makes its upcountry servants kiss their feet. Any office building in Bangkok can attest to these social dynamics.

You can't call for democracy and then ask for coups or some other party to come and clean up the mess you helped put into office," reasoned Vipar Daomanee of Thammasat University. "We too often hear it's the uneducated, rural folk who easily allow corrupt candidates to reach political office, but what have the elite and the middle-class backed Council for National Security (CNS) done?"

They don't think they should do anything, because civil society in Thailand is weak. It is always somebody else's responsibility. The Thai mentality is that I am never responsible for what happens to me and when something goes wrong it is somebody else's fault. Exhibit A. Blame Thaksin. Exibit B. Blame the farmers for voting for Thaksin. Exhibit C. Blame the soldiers for not being good governors. Exhibit D. Blame the farang. Exhibit E. Blame Singapore