Low political legitimacy
6 days ago
Showing posts with label Abhisit Watch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Abhisit Watch. Show all posts
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Abhisit Spinning on CNBC
Abhisit is very articulate and can spin with the best of them.
But I don't know why he has to lie.
Thailand is not an open economy or is it even remotely liberal.
It is a protectionist country. Nothing wrong with being protectionist but to tell the entire world you are an open economy when you prevent foreign ownership in most industries, prohibit foreigners from internal trading, prohibit foreigners access to Thai capital, and don't even allow foreigners to own common shares in companies or to own land is not very honest.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Abhisit in New York (Shamelessly Lying Through His Teeth)
The Nation
Post-Crisis Thailand : Building a new democratic society
---
The second crisis is of our own making, our own political situation which has been making headline news for the past few years. My Government came in nine months ago and since then we have managed to gain back confidence from our friends. The fact that I can be here speaking to you today can very well testify that the situation is in good order and not to be of concern.
Gain back confidence? Abhisit is a legend in his own mind. Everything must be in good order because the military has decided not to overthrow his regime while he is in New York?
After nine months in office, my Government has proved to the Thai people that we are a Government that represents people of all colors. For those who do not see things eye to eye with the Government and feel that their voices can be better heard on the streets, we fully respect their right to assembly and right to freedom of expression. What we as Government will make sure is that these rights are exercised in a peaceful and responsible manner with full respect to the rule of law and does not affect other people's rights to carry out their daily activities.
This is the same Abhisit who joined the PAD in trying to use pressure to oust Thaksin before the coup. This is the same Abhisit who was calling for a royally appointed prime minister. This is the same Abhisit who gave the PAD his blessing to do what it wanted when it tried to oust the PPP from power by taking over government house and the airports.
---
Based on past experiences, what would a post-crisis Thailand look like?
Like countries around the world, Thailand aspires for a kind of democracy that will lead us to sustainable development. We realize that this road towards a functioning democracy and sustainable development is a long and winding one, with many exits, many corners, many pot holes, and at times, seems like there is no end to it.
What exactly has Abhisit done to put Thailand on the road to sustainable development? Giving his corrupt coalition partners half a trillion baht in stimulus money so they can siphon money off the top to become filthy rich?
Thailand has gone through our democratic experience formally since 1932 when Thailand transformed from an absolute monarchy to a Constitutional Monarchy and parliamentary system. We have had 18 constitutions, we had about 24 coups, and we may have had 4 governments within the last two years. But that doesn't mean that democracy is failing in Thailand. On the contrary, democracy is vibrantly at work. Like Secretary Clinton said when she visited Thailand in July this year, Thai politics is as spicy as its food.
How is democracy working when the military ousts legitimate governments, fascist groups bully governments, and the courts outlaw Abhisit's enemies?
We have been through ups and downs and we are learning. The whole society is learning to adapt and to find ways to have a sustainable democracy. And one good thing about the political situation we have been experiencing is that more and more Thai people in all walks of life, at all levels, are becoming engaged in politics. They do not leave politics in the hands of the few.
Right, Abhisit's legitimacy comes from where exactly? The military and the amartaya. Abhisit is the hands of the few.
Politics is no longer a matter of a few elites or people at the top. Politics is in every household and I consider that a good start for a strong and sustainable democracy. There is always a silver lining in every cloud. Always an opportunity exists in every crisis.
Abhisit is the elite. Abhisit is part of taking politics from the hands of every household and putting it in the hands of the few households that determine his political destiny.
Now as to what type of democracy is needed, let me share with you my thoughts.
We want a kind of democracy which is based on the rule of law, responsibility and accountability. We want a kind of democracy where people's voices are not only heard during elections, but their voices are integral to all decision-making processes.
Abhisit doesn't believe in the rule of law. He believes in selective enforcement of the law when it benefits his political career. Why is the PAD still on the loose? Which part of the masses are integral to the decision making processes now? That's right, none.
We want a democracy where not only the majority rules, but the minority also has a fair share, their voices duly heard and their interest equally recognized.
If Abhisit believed in majority rule, he would have called for an election, and when he says that minority should have a fair share, he means the only share.
How we actually get such a democracy is, of course,a challenge, a big challenge.
As a believer in liberal democracy and as a student of politics and economics, I will offer my thoughts on how my Government intends to build Thailand into a new democratic society.
Abhisit doesn't believe in liberal democracy. He believes in an aristocracy that is born to rule.
---
Then I laid down basic principles on how I would bring the country to the next level. They are vital factors to making a new democratic society and these principles can very well apply to many other countries aspiring for democracy.
First, a new democratic society must be based truly on people and the people's needs. No government nowadays is a legitimate government if it does not rule in the interest of its people. In Thailand you may have heard that political division goes by color, be it yellow, red, and so on. I have made it clear since the first day in office that this Government intends to work for people of all colors, on a non-discriminatory basis. And we have done just that over the past nine months.
Flat out fabrication.
Under the first stimulus package, we have the "Tonkla-Archeep" program, which is a skill training scheme, as a social safety net for those who became unemployed during the economic crisis. 70% of 200,000 participants in this scheme have found new jobs, which, in some cases, are in different sectors from what they did previously. We have also the program called "subsistence benefits" to provide some monthly money for the elderly people without pensions to ensure that their living condition is acceptable.
What is the social security stipend? Something like 700 baht.
Second, a new democratic society in transition needs to pay attention to reconciliation. We need to ensure that political division doesn't get into the way of development. Without reconciliation, we cannot implement policies to benefit people. Change cannot be introduced. As a result, development cannot be achieved. But reconciliation does not mean bending laws. On the contrary, we will make sure that law enforcement is sufficient and fair, and that there will be justice and political solution to political problem.
This is why the courts protect Abhisit's political allies and destroy his political enemies.
When I talk about reconciliation in Thailand, I mean reconciliation at many levels; reconciliation of differences between people of all colors, be they yellow, red or others; reconciliation in the Southern border provinces, or even reconciliation and enhanced relations with our neighbors.
So far, Abhisit's policies have been a complete failure on every level in this department.
Regarding the situation in the Southern border province, my Government is trying our best to bring the situation to normalcy and to achieve prosperity and development in the long term. Through education, and social policies as well as economic development schemes, the Government has already begun to win back the hearts and minds of those who may otherwise think that the Government does not care about them.
Terrorism is still out of control in the South.
On our Eastern border, you may have heard news about tension between Thailand and Cambodia. But the situation is just one minor piece of the comprehensive relations between Thailand and Cambodia. Both sides agree not to let one single issue cloud over others. And we will not allow emotions to win over reasons and facts.
This is the same Abhisit who was using Preah Vihear to oust the previous government.
Reconciliation can happen only when we put away our subjectivity and prejudices and try to understand challenges facing all sides, their strength and weaknesses, their constraints and limitations, as well as those of our own.
Translation: We will use right-wing nationalism when its suits our political interests and benefits us.
Reconciliation can happen only when we talk and engage in dialogue in good faith. And I take this opportunity to welcome the wind of change in the US foreign policy under President Obama. I commend his willingness to "engage" and to "listen" in conducting the new chapter of US foreign policy which emphasizes on 3Ds---namely defense, development, and diplomacy. The US' leading role in addressing many challenges of today's globalized world will not be successful without the attempt to reconciliate. And reconciliation takes the efforts of all sides.
Translation: Reconciliation is good when we are calling the shots and can determine the conditions of surrender.
Third, a new democratic society needs more openness. There is no time that the world economy needs openness more than now. This is why the Government has initiated many investment incentives for foreign investors. Over the last nine months, Thailand has even entered into two more free trade agreements. So investing in Thailand does not mean investing in a market of 64 million consumers, but increasingly we are a base for production for exports, especially given the hard-working and skilled human resources. And remember, Asean has close to 600 million people and we are becoming an economic community in 2015.
This is the same Abhisit who went into hysterics when Thaksin was signing free trade agreements. This is the same Abhisit who has done nothing to weed out corruption in the bureaucracy, ripping off foreigners at the ports, etc. This is the same Abhisit who has his ministers foment nationalist hysteria over foreigners buying farm land or any land.
Openness is not only about economic policies. It is more about attitude and the way of life. Thais are known for our flexibility, open-mindedness, and that still holds true today. For many hundreds of years, we have welcomed foreigners to our society as traders, advisors, missionaries, teachers, investors and tourists. As ever, Thailand continues to welcome our foreign friends.
Maybe he should be paying more attention to all the crimes and scams committed against foreigners that are more out of control than ever.
Fourth, a new democratic society must be firmly founded on good governance. Democracy and development is certainly not possible without good governance. The political situation that we got ourselves into, in fact, is deeply rooted in the lack of good governance and accountability.
Maybe he should give his partner, Newin Chidchob, another kiss and hug for all his good work in promoting good governance and accountability. Or his buddies in the military for their procurement scams or his ministers who are stealing from the sufficiency projects.
Government popularly elected claimed their basis for governing from votes and then corrupted policies for their own benefits. But democracy should not and must not end at voting booths. Democracy is a process and it is a process which should rest firmly on the basis of good governance.
Abhisit has failed on both counts.
Apply this situation everywhere in the world and you would see where democracy is failing is where good governance is lacking. What a sustainable democracy and a sustainable development need more than anything else is good governance. This need for good governance goes for not only government but the private sector as well.
Right, when was the last time a Thai corporation has ever been held accountable for its dodgy dealings?
Fifth, in a globalised world, a new democratic society like Thailand's must take into account regional integration. Asean is now growing as a community. And as a community, Asean has entered into free trade agreements with China, Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, India and Japan. Asean as a market of 580 million people, with hard working and one of the most efficient labor force in the world, a region strategically located next to two of the world's fastest growing economies, India and China, offers tremendous opportunity for investment and trade. By 2015 Asean would become a single economic community, linking together ten promising economies, 600 million consumers and capable workforce.
Who actually believes in this neo-liberal fantasy? Abhisit's policies don't match the rhetoric.
Even more important than economic benefits from regional integration, I believe, is the effects of regional integration on political development in the region. In places where democracy flourishes in one country, where people at grassroots level participate actively in local and national politics, it is inevitable that its neighbors will also feel the effects. Democracy is a learning process.
Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam will become liberal democracies through Thailand's example? You can stop laughing now.
Regional integration helps accelerate the learning process. On one side, it is a peer pressure, on another side, it is simply learning by seeing, by imitating. Most importantly, regional integration helps building democracy by teamwork, with all stakeholders involved.
Who will Thailand learn from and who will learn from Thailand?
Sixth , a new democratic society in Thailand needs economically sound policies. Without economic policies which can bring development to people, democracy is bound to fail. Economic development which doesn't narrow the income gap will not bode well for democracy. I mentioned this point with concern as the gap between the rich and the poor in Thailand is also widening.
This is the same Abhisit who refuses to tax the rich. What ever happened to land reform?
My Government attaches great importance to the sufficiency economy philosophy initiated by our beloved King. Sufficiency Economy is not about shutting in from the outside world, but it is about living in moderation.
Good at spending billions to produce lame propaganda. Good at lecturing the poor to be MOSO while the rich continue to act the same as usual.
We learn from the recent crisis that a small, open economy like Thailand cannot always rely on exports to external markets by as much as 70% of GDP like the traditional textbooks postulate.
No textbook told Thailand to do this.
Thailand is trying to balance the external demand with the internal ones boosted by the Stimulus Package 2 which is also financed domestically.
And financed internationally.
Over the next three years, we plan to make massive long-term investments such as those in infrastructure initiated by the government and continued by the private sector or Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) and in human capital. In addition, we will expand our creative economy which combines our identical culture with the local innovations and technology from the current 10% of GDP to 20% with Stimulus Package 2.
We plan on directing billion to ministries that are controlled by our political allies and make them filthy rich so we can stay in power for 3 more years.
We will also provide our people enough protection from the adverse effects of globalization, either economically or culturally. The other aspect would be environmentally-friendly development toward low carbon green economy to ensure sustainable development for the future generation.
Good if true, but with Abhisit's rhetoric always trumps action.
Seventh, a new democratic society needs innovation and vision. Innovation is as important to democracy as it is to sustainable development. In any democracy, the lack of innovation can gravely undermine the spirit of learning, the desire for knowledge, and vice versa. People can become complacent and take democracy for granted. When you leave policy-making in the hands of your representatives and do not monitor them and do not consider the wider interest of the whole nation, that puts democracy in a risky situation.
This is why Abhisit goes out of his way to systematically destroy and silence his enemies through control of the media, control of state propaganda and draconian national security measures.
---
Vision is not only about Government, but we need the public to be able to visualize what they would wish to see their country in 5 years' time, in 10 years' time and then, with a common vision in mind, the whole nation will help move the country forward together.
A bunch of half-baked propaganda schemes and campaign does no equate vision.
---
I can say that what I am most proud of my Government's work over the past nine months is the fact that we have started a free 15 year basic education program. Education provides access to opportunities and equality. Democracy where people cannot make informed decision can be very damaging. It can lead to the tyranny of the majority. A true democracy must be founded on an educated public. We must invest in our future by investing in education. This is not a choice but a must.
Post-Crisis Thailand : Building a new democratic society
---
The second crisis is of our own making, our own political situation which has been making headline news for the past few years. My Government came in nine months ago and since then we have managed to gain back confidence from our friends. The fact that I can be here speaking to you today can very well testify that the situation is in good order and not to be of concern.
Gain back confidence? Abhisit is a legend in his own mind. Everything must be in good order because the military has decided not to overthrow his regime while he is in New York?
After nine months in office, my Government has proved to the Thai people that we are a Government that represents people of all colors. For those who do not see things eye to eye with the Government and feel that their voices can be better heard on the streets, we fully respect their right to assembly and right to freedom of expression. What we as Government will make sure is that these rights are exercised in a peaceful and responsible manner with full respect to the rule of law and does not affect other people's rights to carry out their daily activities.
This is the same Abhisit who joined the PAD in trying to use pressure to oust Thaksin before the coup. This is the same Abhisit who was calling for a royally appointed prime minister. This is the same Abhisit who gave the PAD his blessing to do what it wanted when it tried to oust the PPP from power by taking over government house and the airports.
---
Based on past experiences, what would a post-crisis Thailand look like?
Like countries around the world, Thailand aspires for a kind of democracy that will lead us to sustainable development. We realize that this road towards a functioning democracy and sustainable development is a long and winding one, with many exits, many corners, many pot holes, and at times, seems like there is no end to it.
What exactly has Abhisit done to put Thailand on the road to sustainable development? Giving his corrupt coalition partners half a trillion baht in stimulus money so they can siphon money off the top to become filthy rich?
Thailand has gone through our democratic experience formally since 1932 when Thailand transformed from an absolute monarchy to a Constitutional Monarchy and parliamentary system. We have had 18 constitutions, we had about 24 coups, and we may have had 4 governments within the last two years. But that doesn't mean that democracy is failing in Thailand. On the contrary, democracy is vibrantly at work. Like Secretary Clinton said when she visited Thailand in July this year, Thai politics is as spicy as its food.
How is democracy working when the military ousts legitimate governments, fascist groups bully governments, and the courts outlaw Abhisit's enemies?
We have been through ups and downs and we are learning. The whole society is learning to adapt and to find ways to have a sustainable democracy. And one good thing about the political situation we have been experiencing is that more and more Thai people in all walks of life, at all levels, are becoming engaged in politics. They do not leave politics in the hands of the few.
Right, Abhisit's legitimacy comes from where exactly? The military and the amartaya. Abhisit is the hands of the few.
Politics is no longer a matter of a few elites or people at the top. Politics is in every household and I consider that a good start for a strong and sustainable democracy. There is always a silver lining in every cloud. Always an opportunity exists in every crisis.
Abhisit is the elite. Abhisit is part of taking politics from the hands of every household and putting it in the hands of the few households that determine his political destiny.
Now as to what type of democracy is needed, let me share with you my thoughts.
We want a kind of democracy which is based on the rule of law, responsibility and accountability. We want a kind of democracy where people's voices are not only heard during elections, but their voices are integral to all decision-making processes.
Abhisit doesn't believe in the rule of law. He believes in selective enforcement of the law when it benefits his political career. Why is the PAD still on the loose? Which part of the masses are integral to the decision making processes now? That's right, none.
We want a democracy where not only the majority rules, but the minority also has a fair share, their voices duly heard and their interest equally recognized.
If Abhisit believed in majority rule, he would have called for an election, and when he says that minority should have a fair share, he means the only share.
How we actually get such a democracy is, of course,a challenge, a big challenge.
As a believer in liberal democracy and as a student of politics and economics, I will offer my thoughts on how my Government intends to build Thailand into a new democratic society.
Abhisit doesn't believe in liberal democracy. He believes in an aristocracy that is born to rule.
---
Then I laid down basic principles on how I would bring the country to the next level. They are vital factors to making a new democratic society and these principles can very well apply to many other countries aspiring for democracy.
First, a new democratic society must be based truly on people and the people's needs. No government nowadays is a legitimate government if it does not rule in the interest of its people. In Thailand you may have heard that political division goes by color, be it yellow, red, and so on. I have made it clear since the first day in office that this Government intends to work for people of all colors, on a non-discriminatory basis. And we have done just that over the past nine months.
Flat out fabrication.
Under the first stimulus package, we have the "Tonkla-Archeep" program, which is a skill training scheme, as a social safety net for those who became unemployed during the economic crisis. 70% of 200,000 participants in this scheme have found new jobs, which, in some cases, are in different sectors from what they did previously. We have also the program called "subsistence benefits" to provide some monthly money for the elderly people without pensions to ensure that their living condition is acceptable.
What is the social security stipend? Something like 700 baht.
Second, a new democratic society in transition needs to pay attention to reconciliation. We need to ensure that political division doesn't get into the way of development. Without reconciliation, we cannot implement policies to benefit people. Change cannot be introduced. As a result, development cannot be achieved. But reconciliation does not mean bending laws. On the contrary, we will make sure that law enforcement is sufficient and fair, and that there will be justice and political solution to political problem.
This is why the courts protect Abhisit's political allies and destroy his political enemies.
When I talk about reconciliation in Thailand, I mean reconciliation at many levels; reconciliation of differences between people of all colors, be they yellow, red or others; reconciliation in the Southern border provinces, or even reconciliation and enhanced relations with our neighbors.
So far, Abhisit's policies have been a complete failure on every level in this department.
Regarding the situation in the Southern border province, my Government is trying our best to bring the situation to normalcy and to achieve prosperity and development in the long term. Through education, and social policies as well as economic development schemes, the Government has already begun to win back the hearts and minds of those who may otherwise think that the Government does not care about them.
Terrorism is still out of control in the South.
On our Eastern border, you may have heard news about tension between Thailand and Cambodia. But the situation is just one minor piece of the comprehensive relations between Thailand and Cambodia. Both sides agree not to let one single issue cloud over others. And we will not allow emotions to win over reasons and facts.
This is the same Abhisit who was using Preah Vihear to oust the previous government.
Reconciliation can happen only when we put away our subjectivity and prejudices and try to understand challenges facing all sides, their strength and weaknesses, their constraints and limitations, as well as those of our own.
Translation: We will use right-wing nationalism when its suits our political interests and benefits us.
Reconciliation can happen only when we talk and engage in dialogue in good faith. And I take this opportunity to welcome the wind of change in the US foreign policy under President Obama. I commend his willingness to "engage" and to "listen" in conducting the new chapter of US foreign policy which emphasizes on 3Ds---namely defense, development, and diplomacy. The US' leading role in addressing many challenges of today's globalized world will not be successful without the attempt to reconciliate. And reconciliation takes the efforts of all sides.
Translation: Reconciliation is good when we are calling the shots and can determine the conditions of surrender.
Third, a new democratic society needs more openness. There is no time that the world economy needs openness more than now. This is why the Government has initiated many investment incentives for foreign investors. Over the last nine months, Thailand has even entered into two more free trade agreements. So investing in Thailand does not mean investing in a market of 64 million consumers, but increasingly we are a base for production for exports, especially given the hard-working and skilled human resources. And remember, Asean has close to 600 million people and we are becoming an economic community in 2015.
This is the same Abhisit who went into hysterics when Thaksin was signing free trade agreements. This is the same Abhisit who has done nothing to weed out corruption in the bureaucracy, ripping off foreigners at the ports, etc. This is the same Abhisit who has his ministers foment nationalist hysteria over foreigners buying farm land or any land.
Openness is not only about economic policies. It is more about attitude and the way of life. Thais are known for our flexibility, open-mindedness, and that still holds true today. For many hundreds of years, we have welcomed foreigners to our society as traders, advisors, missionaries, teachers, investors and tourists. As ever, Thailand continues to welcome our foreign friends.
Maybe he should be paying more attention to all the crimes and scams committed against foreigners that are more out of control than ever.
Fourth, a new democratic society must be firmly founded on good governance. Democracy and development is certainly not possible without good governance. The political situation that we got ourselves into, in fact, is deeply rooted in the lack of good governance and accountability.
Maybe he should give his partner, Newin Chidchob, another kiss and hug for all his good work in promoting good governance and accountability. Or his buddies in the military for their procurement scams or his ministers who are stealing from the sufficiency projects.
Government popularly elected claimed their basis for governing from votes and then corrupted policies for their own benefits. But democracy should not and must not end at voting booths. Democracy is a process and it is a process which should rest firmly on the basis of good governance.
Abhisit has failed on both counts.
Apply this situation everywhere in the world and you would see where democracy is failing is where good governance is lacking. What a sustainable democracy and a sustainable development need more than anything else is good governance. This need for good governance goes for not only government but the private sector as well.
Right, when was the last time a Thai corporation has ever been held accountable for its dodgy dealings?
Fifth, in a globalised world, a new democratic society like Thailand's must take into account regional integration. Asean is now growing as a community. And as a community, Asean has entered into free trade agreements with China, Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, India and Japan. Asean as a market of 580 million people, with hard working and one of the most efficient labor force in the world, a region strategically located next to two of the world's fastest growing economies, India and China, offers tremendous opportunity for investment and trade. By 2015 Asean would become a single economic community, linking together ten promising economies, 600 million consumers and capable workforce.
Who actually believes in this neo-liberal fantasy? Abhisit's policies don't match the rhetoric.
Even more important than economic benefits from regional integration, I believe, is the effects of regional integration on political development in the region. In places where democracy flourishes in one country, where people at grassroots level participate actively in local and national politics, it is inevitable that its neighbors will also feel the effects. Democracy is a learning process.
Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam will become liberal democracies through Thailand's example? You can stop laughing now.
Regional integration helps accelerate the learning process. On one side, it is a peer pressure, on another side, it is simply learning by seeing, by imitating. Most importantly, regional integration helps building democracy by teamwork, with all stakeholders involved.
Who will Thailand learn from and who will learn from Thailand?
Sixth , a new democratic society in Thailand needs economically sound policies. Without economic policies which can bring development to people, democracy is bound to fail. Economic development which doesn't narrow the income gap will not bode well for democracy. I mentioned this point with concern as the gap between the rich and the poor in Thailand is also widening.
This is the same Abhisit who refuses to tax the rich. What ever happened to land reform?
My Government attaches great importance to the sufficiency economy philosophy initiated by our beloved King. Sufficiency Economy is not about shutting in from the outside world, but it is about living in moderation.
Good at spending billions to produce lame propaganda. Good at lecturing the poor to be MOSO while the rich continue to act the same as usual.
We learn from the recent crisis that a small, open economy like Thailand cannot always rely on exports to external markets by as much as 70% of GDP like the traditional textbooks postulate.
No textbook told Thailand to do this.
Thailand is trying to balance the external demand with the internal ones boosted by the Stimulus Package 2 which is also financed domestically.
And financed internationally.
Over the next three years, we plan to make massive long-term investments such as those in infrastructure initiated by the government and continued by the private sector or Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) and in human capital. In addition, we will expand our creative economy which combines our identical culture with the local innovations and technology from the current 10% of GDP to 20% with Stimulus Package 2.
We plan on directing billion to ministries that are controlled by our political allies and make them filthy rich so we can stay in power for 3 more years.
We will also provide our people enough protection from the adverse effects of globalization, either economically or culturally. The other aspect would be environmentally-friendly development toward low carbon green economy to ensure sustainable development for the future generation.
Good if true, but with Abhisit's rhetoric always trumps action.
Seventh, a new democratic society needs innovation and vision. Innovation is as important to democracy as it is to sustainable development. In any democracy, the lack of innovation can gravely undermine the spirit of learning, the desire for knowledge, and vice versa. People can become complacent and take democracy for granted. When you leave policy-making in the hands of your representatives and do not monitor them and do not consider the wider interest of the whole nation, that puts democracy in a risky situation.
This is why Abhisit goes out of his way to systematically destroy and silence his enemies through control of the media, control of state propaganda and draconian national security measures.
---
Vision is not only about Government, but we need the public to be able to visualize what they would wish to see their country in 5 years' time, in 10 years' time and then, with a common vision in mind, the whole nation will help move the country forward together.
A bunch of half-baked propaganda schemes and campaign does no equate vision.
---
I can say that what I am most proud of my Government's work over the past nine months is the fact that we have started a free 15 year basic education program. Education provides access to opportunities and equality. Democracy where people cannot make informed decision can be very damaging. It can lead to the tyranny of the majority. A true democracy must be founded on an educated public. We must invest in our future by investing in education. This is not a choice but a must.
Like I said in another blog, whether it be 9 years of education or 15 years of education, it doesn't matter the length of time if what is being produced is crap. Of course, Abhisit doesn't believe in any sort of structural reform to overhaul the education ministries so that they are functioning properly. Without reform, adding more years of schooling will only create more problems.
There is a part of me that would like to believe Abhisit's sincerity and good intentions. But the more he talks like this, the more I am convinced he is a charlatan with guile that exponentially surpasses Thaksin on every level.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
He Can't Remember Their Names
The Nation
On the surface, the Democrat Party is still an old, traditional political party that respects the system and is always unified. However, in the corners of the Parliament and at the party's offices, MPs have been whispering about what's really going on.
Apparently party members are not pleased that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva only pays attention to what Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, party secretary-general and the "government manager", has to say.
In fact, Chuan and other veteran Democrats, including former party leader Banyat Bantadtan, don't always agree with Suthep, especially on issues concerning negotiations with coalition parties.
However, Chuan seems to be biting his tongue because he doesn't want to make Abhisit look bad.
While the former PM was seen as Abhisit's role model, many MPs have been comparing the two and seeing lots of difference in their personalities.
Chuan has always been friendly, soft and humble. He is known to stop and talk to villagers waiting to greet him. On the other hand, Abhisit can't even remember the names of his party's MPs.
In fact, he has infuriated some by walking away before a discussion is even completed.
Abhisit actually is often compared with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, while Chuan, whose three-term party leadership ended in 2003, still commands respect. Even though Chuan is just a chief adviser to the Democrats, reporters still turn to him for comments on several issues.
Honestly, it sounds like a typical political party. You have the figurehead, the managers, the enforcers, the good cops and bad cops.
The underlings take the hits for their master, Abhisit.
You have to wonder why this story is in print.
On the surface, the Democrat Party is still an old, traditional political party that respects the system and is always unified. However, in the corners of the Parliament and at the party's offices, MPs have been whispering about what's really going on.
Apparently party members are not pleased that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva only pays attention to what Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, party secretary-general and the "government manager", has to say.
In fact, Chuan and other veteran Democrats, including former party leader Banyat Bantadtan, don't always agree with Suthep, especially on issues concerning negotiations with coalition parties.
However, Chuan seems to be biting his tongue because he doesn't want to make Abhisit look bad.
While the former PM was seen as Abhisit's role model, many MPs have been comparing the two and seeing lots of difference in their personalities.
Chuan has always been friendly, soft and humble. He is known to stop and talk to villagers waiting to greet him. On the other hand, Abhisit can't even remember the names of his party's MPs.
In fact, he has infuriated some by walking away before a discussion is even completed.
Abhisit actually is often compared with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, while Chuan, whose three-term party leadership ended in 2003, still commands respect. Even though Chuan is just a chief adviser to the Democrats, reporters still turn to him for comments on several issues.
Honestly, it sounds like a typical political party. You have the figurehead, the managers, the enforcers, the good cops and bad cops.
The underlings take the hits for their master, Abhisit.
You have to wonder why this story is in print.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Mr Reconciliation Abhisit Needs Commando Protection to Visit Northeast
Bangkok Post
The Arintharat commando unit will escort Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva during his visit to Buri Ram today amid fears of a clash between pro- and anti-government groups.
For months and months before he came to power, he said he was the only person who could reconcile the country. He has obviously failed there. But he also said he was going to work magic on the economy and solve all the problems in the South. I can't think of one thing that Abhisit has promised that has come to fruition. He has a very long record of failure so far.
The Arintharat commando unit will escort Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva during his visit to Buri Ram today amid fears of a clash between pro- and anti-government groups.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who oversees national security, said the commando unit will accompany Mr Abhisit throughout his visit which will be under heavy security.
Mr Suthep has reportedly ordered the highest level of protection for the prime minister.
Mr Abhisit is expected to be greeted by both supporters and opponents in the northeastern province today.
For months and months before he came to power, he said he was the only person who could reconcile the country. He has obviously failed there. But he also said he was going to work magic on the economy and solve all the problems in the South. I can't think of one thing that Abhisit has promised that has come to fruition. He has a very long record of failure so far.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Veera and Sondhi's Missed Opportunity
The Nation
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday shrugged off red-shirt co-leader Veera Musigapong's refusal to act as master of ceremony during the premier's weekly Sunday talk show.
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"Never mind, the producers will have to invite other people even though I sincerely hoped for Veera's participation," Abhisit said.
He added that he was ready to answer any questions from Veera, who is seen as a staunch supporter of Thaksin and an ardent critic of the Democrat-led coalition.Earlier yesterday, PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey said Veera had been approached to appear on a talk show with Abhisit. The show, aired on Sundays, is designed to highlight the PM's weekly address in a talk-show format.
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Veera, though a voluble critic of the Democrat-led coalition, began his political career as a Democrat.
Meanwhile, PM's deputy secretary-general Panitan Wattanayagorn said Veera should have accepted the invitation.
"His absence would only disappoint viewers, plus the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship and the red shirts would only lose their political edge. Abhisit has given Veera a chance to discuss several issues live on television. Veera would have had the opportunity to ask or say anything. Even though Abhisit and Veera have different opinions, they should discuss issues and find new solutions to conflicts in society," he said.
Abhisit would go if invited by Veera, Panitan said.
Similarly, People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul also refused to participate in the show despite being invited by Abhisit.
I think they should have a public discussion together. Part of the problem with Thai politics is that there is never really any public debate by the adversaries. They are usually talking past each other or rely on propaganda mechanisms to get their views across.
I think Abhisit is over-confident despite his over-rated rhetorical skills and Veera is too under-confident. Abhisit's record is horrible so far.
My gut tells me that Abhisit is not sincere about the offer and it was nothing but a bluff to score propaganda points because he knew Veera wouldn't accept. Veera should have accepted.
Bangkok Pundit has some thoughts on the topic.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday shrugged off red-shirt co-leader Veera Musigapong's refusal to act as master of ceremony during the premier's weekly Sunday talk show.
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"Never mind, the producers will have to invite other people even though I sincerely hoped for Veera's participation," Abhisit said.
He added that he was ready to answer any questions from Veera, who is seen as a staunch supporter of Thaksin and an ardent critic of the Democrat-led coalition.Earlier yesterday, PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey said Veera had been approached to appear on a talk show with Abhisit. The show, aired on Sundays, is designed to highlight the PM's weekly address in a talk-show format.
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Veera, though a voluble critic of the Democrat-led coalition, began his political career as a Democrat.
Meanwhile, PM's deputy secretary-general Panitan Wattanayagorn said Veera should have accepted the invitation.
"His absence would only disappoint viewers, plus the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship and the red shirts would only lose their political edge. Abhisit has given Veera a chance to discuss several issues live on television. Veera would have had the opportunity to ask or say anything. Even though Abhisit and Veera have different opinions, they should discuss issues and find new solutions to conflicts in society," he said.
Abhisit would go if invited by Veera, Panitan said.
Similarly, People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul also refused to participate in the show despite being invited by Abhisit.
I think they should have a public discussion together. Part of the problem with Thai politics is that there is never really any public debate by the adversaries. They are usually talking past each other or rely on propaganda mechanisms to get their views across.
I think Abhisit is over-confident despite his over-rated rhetorical skills and Veera is too under-confident. Abhisit's record is horrible so far.
My gut tells me that Abhisit is not sincere about the offer and it was nothing but a bluff to score propaganda points because he knew Veera wouldn't accept. Veera should have accepted.
Bangkok Pundit has some thoughts on the topic.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Abhisit in China (More Self-Deluded than Ever)
China Daily:
China and Thailand yesterday agreed to expand economic cooperation as part of visiting Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's efforts to revive the Thai economy that was hard hit by the financial crisis and political unrest.
Commerce ministers from Thailand and China signed the agreement at the Great Hall of the People after a meeting between Premier Wen Jiabao and Abhisit.
The two premiers officiated at the signing ceremony.
Details of the agreement were not available at press time, but Abhisit vowed before arriving in Beijing to try to attract Chinese enterprises to invest in a new three-year plan worth about 1.4 trillion baht ($40.9 billion) to revive an economy facing its first annual contraction since 1998.
The Thai prime minister, on his first visit to China since taking office in December, is leading more than 100 government officials and entrepreneurs - the largest team he has taken overseas.
In the first quarter of the year, the Thai economy contracted by 7.1 percent, following a fall of 4.2 percent in the fourth quarter of last year, according to the Thai Commerce Ministry.
Ministry figures showed its trade with China fell 25 percent to $11.3 billion in the first five months of the year.
Virachai Virameteekul, from the Thai prime minister's office, said before the visit that Abhisit would explain to Chinese leaders the reasons behind political unrest in the country and assure Beijing that Bangkok was ready to embrace foreign investment.
Abhisit has raised his expectation for bilateral trade from the current annual $40 billion to $50 billion for 2010.
His efforts received a positive response.
"The Chinese government encourages and supports Chinese enterprises to invest in Thailand and join in its infrastructure construction," reads a press release issued by the Foreign Ministry after the meeting.
Zhang Jiuqin, an expert on Thai studies with the Ministry of Commerce, said that while Sino-Thai trade is shrinking, the goal of $50 billion in 2010 will "possibly be reached", given signs of a warming global economy.
Thai Crisis' head will explode after reading this.
I'm seriously considering the idea that Abhisit may be mentally ill. He has cognitive dissonance problems where what he thinks is reality is so far removed from the actual reality.
Is he dishonest or just stupid? I'm having problems making the distinction.
Bi-lateral trade between Thailand and China is roughly $36 billion--and shrinking. And Abhisit think it can grow to $50 billion by next year during the worst economic down turn since the Great Depression.
Not only that, he wants the Chinese to invest $40 billion in Thailand within the next 3 years.
Why would China invest $40 billion in Thailand to produce goods that it can produce better and much more cheaply in its own country?
By the way, Abhisit really is an idiot. Thailand doesn't have a liquidity problem or a foreign investment problem.
Abhisit has no plans to use foreign investment to stimulate domestic demand. He has done nothing to remove the barriers to foreign money in the country when it comes to competing in the domestic market.
Most of the Thai economy is built on using Thailand an entrepot for foreign exports. Abhisit wants to continue that idiotic model. China doesn't need Thailand as an entrepot for its own goods.
If Abhisit had a brain cell in his head, he wouldn't be going hat in hand begging like a shameless peasant to foreign countries. Instead, he should be encouraging domestic banks to invest in Thais and create entrepreneurship and stimulate domestic demand, so millions of people can be pulled out of poverty on their own accord.
China and Thailand yesterday agreed to expand economic cooperation as part of visiting Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's efforts to revive the Thai economy that was hard hit by the financial crisis and political unrest.
Commerce ministers from Thailand and China signed the agreement at the Great Hall of the People after a meeting between Premier Wen Jiabao and Abhisit.
The two premiers officiated at the signing ceremony.
Details of the agreement were not available at press time, but Abhisit vowed before arriving in Beijing to try to attract Chinese enterprises to invest in a new three-year plan worth about 1.4 trillion baht ($40.9 billion) to revive an economy facing its first annual contraction since 1998.
The Thai prime minister, on his first visit to China since taking office in December, is leading more than 100 government officials and entrepreneurs - the largest team he has taken overseas.
In the first quarter of the year, the Thai economy contracted by 7.1 percent, following a fall of 4.2 percent in the fourth quarter of last year, according to the Thai Commerce Ministry.
Ministry figures showed its trade with China fell 25 percent to $11.3 billion in the first five months of the year.
Virachai Virameteekul, from the Thai prime minister's office, said before the visit that Abhisit would explain to Chinese leaders the reasons behind political unrest in the country and assure Beijing that Bangkok was ready to embrace foreign investment.
Abhisit has raised his expectation for bilateral trade from the current annual $40 billion to $50 billion for 2010.
His efforts received a positive response.
"The Chinese government encourages and supports Chinese enterprises to invest in Thailand and join in its infrastructure construction," reads a press release issued by the Foreign Ministry after the meeting.
Zhang Jiuqin, an expert on Thai studies with the Ministry of Commerce, said that while Sino-Thai trade is shrinking, the goal of $50 billion in 2010 will "possibly be reached", given signs of a warming global economy.
Thai Crisis' head will explode after reading this.
I'm seriously considering the idea that Abhisit may be mentally ill. He has cognitive dissonance problems where what he thinks is reality is so far removed from the actual reality.
Is he dishonest or just stupid? I'm having problems making the distinction.
Bi-lateral trade between Thailand and China is roughly $36 billion--and shrinking. And Abhisit think it can grow to $50 billion by next year during the worst economic down turn since the Great Depression.
Not only that, he wants the Chinese to invest $40 billion in Thailand within the next 3 years.
Why would China invest $40 billion in Thailand to produce goods that it can produce better and much more cheaply in its own country?
By the way, Abhisit really is an idiot. Thailand doesn't have a liquidity problem or a foreign investment problem.
Abhisit has no plans to use foreign investment to stimulate domestic demand. He has done nothing to remove the barriers to foreign money in the country when it comes to competing in the domestic market.
Most of the Thai economy is built on using Thailand an entrepot for foreign exports. Abhisit wants to continue that idiotic model. China doesn't need Thailand as an entrepot for its own goods.
If Abhisit had a brain cell in his head, he wouldn't be going hat in hand begging like a shameless peasant to foreign countries. Instead, he should be encouraging domestic banks to invest in Thais and create entrepreneurship and stimulate domestic demand, so millions of people can be pulled out of poverty on their own accord.
Why is Abhisit Lying about Preah Vihear?
The Nation:
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday he wanted to keep the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) and international involvement away from Preah Vihear temple.
Cabinet's move to maintain its objection to World Heritage listing for the site, which it achieved last year, was just reserving Thailand's right to handle boundary demarcation with Cambodia, he said.
Thailand signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia in 2000 not to make any change in regard to "overlapping" areas claimed by both countries before the completion of demarcation, he said.
"As the temple is listed as World Heritage, there will be more hands involved, which is contrary to the MoU," Abhisit told reporters before leaving for China.
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Chulalongkorn University academic Chaiwat Khamchoo said the government's objection to Cambodia's plan would not benefit Thailand but only created conflict with its neighbour.
Somchai Phetprasert, chairman of House committee on military affairs, accused the government of pushing the country nearer to war. Prime Minister Abhisit should talk with Cambodia about a joint nomination for the temple, Somchai said.
"Prime Minister Abhisit might be confused over the boundary. The Unesco won't deal with the boundary issue but will help to protect the site in Cambodia," he said.
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Supalak in a different Nation column:
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Abhisit said he opposed World Heritage status for the site because it might affect Thailand's right to claim land in an "overlapping" 4.6 square kilometres adjacent to the temple and any chance to "re-claim" the temple.
What I find interesting about these pieces in The Nation is that these may be the first instances where The Nation actually does any critical analysis of Abhisit's policies.
Normally The Nation whitewashes Abhisit's failures and stupidity by either blaming Thaksin, Suthep, the opposition or Bhoom Jai Thai party.
With everything on Abhisit's plate, you have to wonder why Preah Vihear has become such a burning issue.
There is no doubt in my mind that Abhisit is playing up the right-wing nationalist card to distract the media and the country from his policy failures.
What I find disturbing is that Abhisit is actually lying and he thinks he can do his typical shuck and jive and think everybody will fall in line.
The UNESCO decision and border demarcation are completely separate issues. UNESCO isn't going to de-list Preah Vihear based on these border issues. And it is Abhisit who is turning this thing into an international crisis and disturbing relations with Cambodia.
The notion that Abhisit can make things right by sending his personal henchman to Cambodia to sweet talk Hun Sen is a farce.
Abhisit re-ignited this crisis and he has nobody to blame but himself for inflaming an issue that doesn't need to inflamed--especially based on such moronic and baseless reasons.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday he wanted to keep the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) and international involvement away from Preah Vihear temple.
Cabinet's move to maintain its objection to World Heritage listing for the site, which it achieved last year, was just reserving Thailand's right to handle boundary demarcation with Cambodia, he said.
Thailand signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia in 2000 not to make any change in regard to "overlapping" areas claimed by both countries before the completion of demarcation, he said.
"As the temple is listed as World Heritage, there will be more hands involved, which is contrary to the MoU," Abhisit told reporters before leaving for China.
---
Chulalongkorn University academic Chaiwat Khamchoo said the government's objection to Cambodia's plan would not benefit Thailand but only created conflict with its neighbour.
Somchai Phetprasert, chairman of House committee on military affairs, accused the government of pushing the country nearer to war. Prime Minister Abhisit should talk with Cambodia about a joint nomination for the temple, Somchai said.
"Prime Minister Abhisit might be confused over the boundary. The Unesco won't deal with the boundary issue but will help to protect the site in Cambodia," he said.
---
Supalak in a different Nation column:
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Thailand had to raise objections because Unesco and the World Heritage panel violated their own regulations and the listing ignited conflicts.
However, Abhisit never clarified which regulations were violated and whether Thailand's objections would force the panel to change its decision. Actually, nobody expects any changes because the objections are nothing new - they were filed during the World Heritage Committee's 32nd session in Quebec last July.
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Abhisit said he opposed World Heritage status for the site because it might affect Thailand's right to claim land in an "overlapping" 4.6 square kilometres adjacent to the temple and any chance to "re-claim" the temple.
However, his concerns make little sense because the Unesco World Heritage Convention's Article 11 clearly says that "the inclusion of a property [in the World Heritage list] situated in a territory, sovereignty or jurisdiction, which is claimed by more than one state, shall in no way prejudice the rights of the parties to the dispute".
Thailand will not lose the right to demarcate its border with Cambodia and, in fact, the joint boundary demarcation committee is already working on the matter. Now, it is up to Thailand whether or not to send a representative to sit on the International Coordination Committee (ICC) as mentioned in Article 14 of the World Heritage listing. The committee was originally due to convene in February, but it has been delayed because Thailand has yet to make a decision.
Sadly, Thailand's move to maintain its objection is nothing more than a plan to delay Cambodia's work, which has only resulted in added tension.
Abhisit should really explain what he wants from sticking to his stance, how it would benefit the country and what would happen if his deputy does manage to cool Hun Sen down.
What I find interesting about these pieces in The Nation is that these may be the first instances where The Nation actually does any critical analysis of Abhisit's policies.
Normally The Nation whitewashes Abhisit's failures and stupidity by either blaming Thaksin, Suthep, the opposition or Bhoom Jai Thai party.
With everything on Abhisit's plate, you have to wonder why Preah Vihear has become such a burning issue.
There is no doubt in my mind that Abhisit is playing up the right-wing nationalist card to distract the media and the country from his policy failures.
What I find disturbing is that Abhisit is actually lying and he thinks he can do his typical shuck and jive and think everybody will fall in line.
The UNESCO decision and border demarcation are completely separate issues. UNESCO isn't going to de-list Preah Vihear based on these border issues. And it is Abhisit who is turning this thing into an international crisis and disturbing relations with Cambodia.
The notion that Abhisit can make things right by sending his personal henchman to Cambodia to sweet talk Hun Sen is a farce.
Abhisit re-ignited this crisis and he has nobody to blame but himself for inflaming an issue that doesn't need to inflamed--especially based on such moronic and baseless reasons.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Abhisit's Right-Hand Man Sathit Wongnongtoey Changes Tune on Control of the Media
Bangkok Post interviewing Sathit back in April:
Prime Minister's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey has been in charge of the state media for almost three months and as a relative newcomer been criticised for not using the state's media instruments at his disposal to neutralise the offensive of the red-shirt protesters, particularly their leader Thaksin Shinawatra, against the government.
Bangkok Post Editorial:
Prime Minister's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey has been in charge of the state media for almost three months and as a relative newcomer been criticised for not using the state's media instruments at his disposal to neutralise the offensive of the red-shirt protesters, particularly their leader Thaksin Shinawatra, against the government.
During the past week, his passive role in responding to attacks on the government by former prime minister Thaksin even drew comments from Chuan Leekpai, the party's chief adviser.
Here Mr Sathit tells Bangkok Post chief reporter Nattaya Chetchotiros why he opted for a non-confrontational approach.
How did you explain things to Mr Chuan who was under the impression that you did too little to stop Thaksin phoning in to his supporters almost every day? As it happens, Thaksin has been hogging the media spotlight.
Sathit: Actually, Mr Chuan did not blame me. He just passed on the feedback he received. Mr Chuan and Prime Minister Abhisit (Vejjajiva) have given me moral support. They know that we are on the right track. We can't just let one person make us veer off course.
Is this because the Democrat party had been in the opposition for eight years. When it becomes the government, it finds itself floundering and does not know what to do. And are you seen as a newcomer?
Sathit: I am aware of such a feedback. But I follow the policy that Prime Minister Abhisit has laid down since he took office. We will not sow a social conflict and we will not respond to Thaksin.
But as he keeps phoning in, we need to adjust our approach by allowing ministers or those who were accused by Thaksin to explain themselves to the public.
Could you explain your pro-active policy in concrete terms?
Sathit: We hold regular meetings of public relations officials and directors of regional branches of Channel 11 via video conference.
We stress the need for public relations officials in each province to tell people the government's primary aim is to solve the economic crisis. The government will neither use the media as a political tool nor use force against protesters.
What did the prime minister say to you when you came under heavy criticism?
Sathit: He has always given me moral support. We know that people wanted us to hit back at Thaksin. But we don't want to.
You mean you will remain on the receiving end?
Sathit: We have to adjust to suit the changing circumstances. We have to work hard to explain the allegations he is making against the government.
Have you ever felt that you are not in full control of the media, even though you are the minister in charge of looking after the media?
Sathit: Our approach in looking after the media is different from that of the Thaksin government. The Thaksin government had interfered with the media and dictated to them to make them serve its needs.
But we choose not to do so. Instead, we seek cooperation and are taking a more relaxed approach.
Why has Chirmsak Pinthong, who is known to have aligned himself with the anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy, been allotted only one hour of airtime a week on Channel 11. Is this meant to avoid criticism?
Sathit: No, we are not concerned about criticism. We can't afford to think the same way as the previous government which was allotting airtime to the Truth Today programme five days a week. It would be easy for us to do the same. But that would mean we too are paying lip service to our media reform idea.
Bangkok Post Editorial:
The request on Wednesday for permission to govern the content of every community radio and satellite TV station was sensational by any standard. The NTC was charged by the 1997 Constitution to return the public airwaves to the public. Now, the commission proposes to place a whole new set of public broadcasters under its control, including monitoring and censoring the broadcasts themselves.
The regulations are only a proposal by the NTC. It is disturbing that the government has apparently leapt to support the commission's request, without any public input or parliamentary discussion.
The country has the word of PM's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey that the NTC would never overstep its responsibility, and only would take action if broadcasters used "politically incendiary" statements.
Mr Sathit had no examples of what might be incendiary speech, and neither did the proposal from the NTC to the government for permission to start monitoring right away. Mr Sathit said he was certain the NTC would be even-handed in its treatment of both the ASTV satellite broadcasts by the yellow-shirt supporters, and DStation backed by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) and the red shirts. If either or both were judged to have incendiary content, they would be taken off the air. The same would hold true for all community radio stations.
These proposed regulations are onerous and will be opposed by all advocates of free speech and a free press. They are nothing less than political pressure on new broadcast media to exert fearful self-censorship. According to the government, they require every such "new media" broadcaster to get prior permission from the regulators before they begin any programme. This is not only intimidation of the worst sort, it is clearly impractical. Under these regulations, any media under NTC control would have to wait for permissio to comment on current events - in other words, neither news nor comment on the news would evnen be legal.
Both Mr Sathit and the NTC should withdraw these poorly thought-out proposals. The NTC should start again, and redraft regulations that reflect its founding purpose, which is to ensure that all segments of the public have access to the broadcast media. The government, starting with Mr Sathit's office, should also rethink its stand, beginning from the premise that the constitution - the supreme law of the land - guarantees full press freedom and forbids prior censorship of any kind.
Mr Sathit and the NTC have failed totally to explain why new and special content regulations are required at all. There are plenty of laws to keep broadcasting civil. Treason is illegal, just for example, as are defamation and inciting to riot. These laws seem more than enough to keep a civil tongue in the head of all broadcasters.
If these two offices properly reconsider the issues of community radio and satellite TV, they will realise these are democratic outlets which must be allowed greater freedom, not given more shackles. They must not be tied up in bureaucratic regulation and government attempts to censor. Technical regulations are necessary so that community radio stations can broadcast on limited frequencies, and not interfere with neighbours in the province or on the assigned frequency. No special regulations are needed by the NTC to govern content, and none should be given.
First, Abhisit wants to use the intelligence agencies and secret slush fund tax payer money to crush anti-government dissent. Now, he want to filter anti-government content on the community radio and television stations.
The Nation's editorial silence is deafening.
Abhisit is no longer Thailand's Barack Obama. He is now Thailand's Richard Nixon, but only worse.
Nixon didn't get away with his crimes; Abhisit will.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Nixonian Abhisit uses $25 Million Slush Fund to Spy on his Enemies
The Nation:
Tomorrow's Cabinet meeting is expected to endorse a Bt157.5 million secret stealth budget including Bt25 million for spying on the red-shirted protest group, a government source said yesterday.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban has instructed the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to include surveillance of the anti-government movement in its annual operating plan, the source said.
The NIA will spend part of the Bt25 million to build up a grassroots network in the capital and provinces, he said.
The NIA would use national reconciliation as a cover to shadow the red shirts and would spend the budget to produce intelligence information to frustrate anti-government propaganda, he said
This is disgusting. I thought Mark was supposed to be the anti-Thaksin. If Thaksin did this to the Democrats, you would never hear the end of it in the Thai media.
Anywhere else in the world, this would be a scandal that would bring down a government. Imagine if Barack Obama spent taxpayer money and the use of intelligence agencies of the US government to destroy the Republicans. It would be a scandal to rival Watergate.
In Thailand, business as usual.
Tomorrow's Cabinet meeting is expected to endorse a Bt157.5 million secret stealth budget including Bt25 million for spying on the red-shirted protest group, a government source said yesterday.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban has instructed the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to include surveillance of the anti-government movement in its annual operating plan, the source said.
The NIA will spend part of the Bt25 million to build up a grassroots network in the capital and provinces, he said.
The NIA would use national reconciliation as a cover to shadow the red shirts and would spend the budget to produce intelligence information to frustrate anti-government propaganda, he said
This is disgusting. I thought Mark was supposed to be the anti-Thaksin. If Thaksin did this to the Democrats, you would never hear the end of it in the Thai media.
Anywhere else in the world, this would be a scandal that would bring down a government. Imagine if Barack Obama spent taxpayer money and the use of intelligence agencies of the US government to destroy the Republicans. It would be a scandal to rival Watergate.
In Thailand, business as usual.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Pornpimol Pimping for Abhisit
The Nation:
Our prime minister - whose credentials, track record and integrity would make decent citizens of any country proud to have him as their leader - has been in constant battles politically and economically. He has taken an unrelenting beating from the get go, from all directions. But he has shown his mettle and grace under pressure. Friend or foe, one thing is clear to all - he is not one to be taken for a ride.
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To a jaded person like me who has been around politicians of all stripes for almost all my adult life, this prime minister offers a breath of fresh air. He does not posture, does not brag, does not complain, does not do hyperbole, does not lie. If anybody cares to look, he has been trying his mightiest to restore the TRUST of the people in their government and their leader and the rule of law. Trustworthiness has nothing to do with repeating the mantra "trust me" for the nth time, but by showing an example of it - and people must have an open eye to see it.
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The public never knew that during the Songkran riots, a group of red shirts stood in front of his house in Bangkok hurling lewd and vulgar obscenities at his wife and children, who they thought were in the house while the prime minister was in Pattaya. He did not complain about the incident to the public and did not try to make an issue of it to gain sympathy for his personal pain. We never heard him recount his deeds during his visit to his alma mater of Oxford and was confronted by Jai Ungpakorn. He never told the public what a superb job he did of explaining the logic behind the much-criticised lese majeste law in a matter-of-fact and honest manner that cut down his interrogator to size, and earned a hearty round of applause from an amazed and stunned audience. The best of minds - always critical to a fault - they would have jumped on him had they found a hole or a lapse in his logic. Time and again he has defended the blue colour of our flag without dragging the institution down to the level of dirty politics. He is not doing it for lip service or personal gain; he does it because he believes it to be the right and fair thing to do. He does not get angry when people erroneously claim that he "rode to office unelected". Let truth be told, this prime minister was elected under the same constitution to the same House that elected Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat as prime ministers.
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It is evident that the prime minister has been fighting with one hand tied behind his back, but it is not clear if he has the upper hand. One can be sarcastic by saying that it is only in Hollywood movies that the good wins over the bad. But that sarcasm leads us nowhere. The prime minister has given us his all and his best; he deserves our helping hand.
The Nation really is in full propaganda mode.
What exactly has Abhisit accomplished? Nothing he promised has materialized, except giving free bribes to the masses at the taxpayers expense, and that sure didn't win him any loyalty.
Our prime minister - whose credentials, track record and integrity would make decent citizens of any country proud to have him as their leader - has been in constant battles politically and economically. He has taken an unrelenting beating from the get go, from all directions. But he has shown his mettle and grace under pressure. Friend or foe, one thing is clear to all - he is not one to be taken for a ride.
---
To a jaded person like me who has been around politicians of all stripes for almost all my adult life, this prime minister offers a breath of fresh air. He does not posture, does not brag, does not complain, does not do hyperbole, does not lie. If anybody cares to look, he has been trying his mightiest to restore the TRUST of the people in their government and their leader and the rule of law. Trustworthiness has nothing to do with repeating the mantra "trust me" for the nth time, but by showing an example of it - and people must have an open eye to see it.
---
The public never knew that during the Songkran riots, a group of red shirts stood in front of his house in Bangkok hurling lewd and vulgar obscenities at his wife and children, who they thought were in the house while the prime minister was in Pattaya. He did not complain about the incident to the public and did not try to make an issue of it to gain sympathy for his personal pain. We never heard him recount his deeds during his visit to his alma mater of Oxford and was confronted by Jai Ungpakorn. He never told the public what a superb job he did of explaining the logic behind the much-criticised lese majeste law in a matter-of-fact and honest manner that cut down his interrogator to size, and earned a hearty round of applause from an amazed and stunned audience. The best of minds - always critical to a fault - they would have jumped on him had they found a hole or a lapse in his logic. Time and again he has defended the blue colour of our flag without dragging the institution down to the level of dirty politics. He is not doing it for lip service or personal gain; he does it because he believes it to be the right and fair thing to do. He does not get angry when people erroneously claim that he "rode to office unelected". Let truth be told, this prime minister was elected under the same constitution to the same House that elected Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat as prime ministers.
---
It is evident that the prime minister has been fighting with one hand tied behind his back, but it is not clear if he has the upper hand. One can be sarcastic by saying that it is only in Hollywood movies that the good wins over the bad. But that sarcasm leads us nowhere. The prime minister has given us his all and his best; he deserves our helping hand.
The Nation really is in full propaganda mode.
What exactly has Abhisit accomplished? Nothing he promised has materialized, except giving free bribes to the masses at the taxpayers expense, and that sure didn't win him any loyalty.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Abhisit Declares War on Foreign Media (Those Pesky Thaksin Sympathizers)
Bangkok Post:
The government is launching a "full-scale" information war against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his followers who are using the overseas media to attack the administration, Prime Minister's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey says.
---
The government would identify some of the foreign journalists who backed Thaksin in ways that damaged the country, Mr Sathit said, but he gave no further information.
Abhisit is getting desperate and more creepy all the time.
Imagine if Thaksin had declared war on the foreign media in order to stifle Abhisit and the Democrats, every media outlet in Thailand would be screaming bloody murder.
What is more sickening is that when Abhisit gives an interview with the foreign press, he always says that there is more freedom, more transparency, more democracy now than ever before. We know all know that is an outrageous lie.
Abhisit already has the military owned media, ThaiPBS, and most of the privately owned media, like The Nation, in his pocket, and he has shut down all the Red Shirt radio and televison media and their websites.
But that is not enough.
Now he needs the foreign media to do his bidding too.
I don't know if the foreign media will be happy about being declared the enemy of the Thai government.
Maybe the foreign media will come to understand that that the way the Thai government wishes to control them is the same way in which the elite wish to control the poor masses through intimidation, threats, insults and control.
The government is launching a "full-scale" information war against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his followers who are using the overseas media to attack the administration, Prime Minister's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey says.
---
The government would identify some of the foreign journalists who backed Thaksin in ways that damaged the country, Mr Sathit said, but he gave no further information.
Abhisit is getting desperate and more creepy all the time.
Imagine if Thaksin had declared war on the foreign media in order to stifle Abhisit and the Democrats, every media outlet in Thailand would be screaming bloody murder.
What is more sickening is that when Abhisit gives an interview with the foreign press, he always says that there is more freedom, more transparency, more democracy now than ever before. We know all know that is an outrageous lie.
Abhisit already has the military owned media, ThaiPBS, and most of the privately owned media, like The Nation, in his pocket, and he has shut down all the Red Shirt radio and televison media and their websites.
But that is not enough.
Now he needs the foreign media to do his bidding too.
I don't know if the foreign media will be happy about being declared the enemy of the Thai government.
Maybe the foreign media will come to understand that that the way the Thai government wishes to control them is the same way in which the elite wish to control the poor masses through intimidation, threats, insults and control.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Abhisit Uses Police Powers to Eliminate and Stifle Red Shirt Media
Police yesterday raided the offices of D-Station on Lat Phrao road and the offices of community radio stations in Udon Thani, Chiang Mai and Lampang as per orders from the Emergency Execution Command (EEC), the agency involved with handling the country under the Emergency Decree.
In following the EEC order, the Information Technology Regulation Office gave Internet service providers a list of 67 websites it deemed as instigating insurrection to block since Monday evening, said Aree Jiwararak, director of the Information Technology Regulation Office.
---
Supinya Klangnarong, a media rights activist, said people should not be blocked from expressing their opinions online because mainstream media had lost its credibility in providing unbiased reports.
"If the government threatens online liberty, that would boomerang back. The government should allow Internet to be the space where people can freely search for information they want and express what they think. If not, the things could get more severe," Supinya said.
Thanapon Eiwsakul, owner of the blocked Sameskybooks.org, said the government could not really block any websites as such, because people could find ways in anyway. Moreover, censoring might make people believe in fake reports.
"Since people could not use the Internet to verify the truth for themselves, they would be vulnerable to believing rumours that might not be true," Thanapon said.
List of blocked websites courtesy of Prachatai:
2 http://www.konthai.org/
3. http://www.thaifreenews.com/
4. http://www.thairedshirt-democracy.org/cbox/s1.html
5. http://www.democracytoday.tv/
6. http://www.thaipeoplevoice.org/
7. http://freethais.com/update_13apr09.php
8. http://www.wered.net
9. http://www.redplus.org/
10. http://thaienews.blogspot.com/
11. http://www.prachachonthai.com
12. http://www.cbnpress.com/
13. http://uddtoday.ning.com/
14. http://www.thaireduk.com/
15. http://www.nocoup.net/
16. http://downmerng.blogspot.com/
17. http://www.jakrapob.net/
18. http://www.truethaksin.com/
19. http://www.chupong.com/
20. http://www.rednon.com
21. http://www.chupong.org/
22. http://www.serichon.com/
23 http://www.nationsiam.com/
24 http://www.gmm2008.com/index.php
25. http://thaksin.wordpress.com/
26. http://thaipresslog.blogspot.com/
27. http://thaiopinions.blogspot.com/
28. http://www.newskythailand.com
29. http://sites.google.com/site/prachathaiclub/Home
30. http://siamfreedom.blogspot.com/
31. http://www.priority-radio.com/
32. http://www.cbox.ws
33. http://www3.cbox.ws/box/
34. http://www.no-ip.org
35. mms://ptv.no-ip.org/mvtv_5
36. mms://baygon2.no-ip.org/TPV1
37. mms://baygon2.no-ip.org/livetv
38. mms://chupong.no-ip.org/chupong
39. http://www.dstation.tv/
40. http://365boxstv.com/tvonline_varietyone-link2.html
41. www.redplusplus.com
42. www.salidausa.com
43. http://redplusplus.net/
44. http://www.windowscare.in.th/index.php
45. http://www.norporchorusa.com/
46. http://lbsapp.freewillsolutions.com/images/usbank.com/internetBanking/CmdId/
47. http://www.sanamluang.in.th/
47. 61.19.241.228
48. 61.19.241.237
49. http://www.rednews.info/
50. http://www.rednews.info/live/sanamluang-2.htm
51. http://democraticthai.com/
52. http://www.badict.2hell.com
54. http://www.thairedusa.com/
55. http://365boxs.com/tvonline_varietyone.html
56. http://www.salidausa.com
57. http://www.chupong-radio.com/
58. http://www.arayachon.org/
59. http://www.thairedshirt-democracy.org/
60. http://www.khonthai.org
61. http://www.prachachonthai.com/
62. http://www.clubthaksin.com/
63. http://www.shinawatradio.com
Well, we know this is just one small bit that has been shut down. Thousands of websites have been shut down by the government.
I want the readership to imagine if the shoe was on the other foot. The Thai mainstream media would be crying bloody murder if the Yellow shirt media were shutdown.
Well, we know Sia Yoon and Sia Thepchai owe their careers to the Thai military, so you won't be hearing any lectures from them about a free media operating unhindered.
Kavi, the major proponent of a free speech in Thailand has been silent, hasn't he? Well, except to be the spokesperson for the military on Australian radio.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Abhisit's Hard Talk Clip (Welcome to the Mark Spin Zone)
In a HARDtalk interview broadcast on 8 April 2009, Zeinab Badawi talks to the Prime Minister of Thailand, Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Click here to watch the full interviewHere is a rundown:
The protests.
Thaksin should be brought to justice because he believes "all Thais are equal." We know that is a lie.
New elections. He says he can win if held today, which is probably a lie. The last thing Abhisit wants is a new election. He knows that this period now is the only window that the Democrats have to govern. If all things being equal, I think if there was a Abhisit/Thaksin electoral face-off, the Democrats would lose heavily.
The Democrats and the army. He denies the army paved the way for his selection.
The PAD. He says he condemned the PAD and their activities. I threw up in my mouth a little when he said that. He whitewashed Kasit's crimes.
Economic stimulus. He always tried to bring the talk back to his economic program.
Free trade and protectionism. Why Abhisit gets away with his phony "free trade" talk I will never know. Thailand is a protectionist country, not a free trade country, and he knows it.
The refugee problem. He put a stop to the army's excesses and a fact finding mission, made up of the army of course, found no wrong doing. She brought up an EU report on the Rohingya that I never heard about.
Nothing on the monarchy.
I think he did a fair job spinning. Same lines he spews everywhere else. He stayed with the script.
Nothing new.
I think the lie that disturbs me the most is his assertion that he came to power fair and square, and it had nothing to do with the PAD, the army, or any other shenanigans.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Abhisit at Oxford (short excerpt on lese majeste)
I wish it was the whole speech, but it is only on the lese majeste bit with Giles.
Whomever uploaded the video obviously wanted to tell one side of the story, Abhisit's story.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Mr. Clean Abhisit Hands Lucrative Ministries to the Halloween Coalition of the Corrupt
Grumbling in the Ranks
The Nation
The Friends of Newin faction, whose defection led to Abhisit Vejjajiva's clinching of the prime minister post and who have since been branded as traitors by pro-Thaksin supporters, are set to get the much-coveted interior and transport portfolios in the first Democrat Party-led administration in almost eight years.
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PM Abhisit told reporters yesterday that he did not regard the slating of ministerial posts to Newin followers as a loss for the Democrat Party, adding that all the Cabinet members would work under him for the entire country, and not for the Democrat Party alone.
Former caretaker Prime Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul is likely to become interior minister.
Chaovarat is the father of Anuthin Chanweerakul, a former deputy public health minister and a close friend of banned politician Newin Chidchob. As caretaker PM, Chaovarat defied pressure from fellow colleagues in the Pheu Thai Party for him to dissolve the House of Representatives when it became clear that the Democrat Party had gathered enough support to form a new government.
MPs from the Friends of Newin faction were also expected to serve as deputy ministers in the interior and transport ministries.
Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban yesterday had to explain at length to convince party executives why the interior seat had to be given to the Friends of Newin, a breakaway faction from the disbanded People Power Party.
Suthep explained to the disappointed Democrat executives that it was one of the conditions sought by the Newin faction in exchange for their support for Abhisit, a party source said. Suthep was quoted as saying that, "Without them, we wouldn't have become the government."
Ex-senator Chumpol Silpa-archa, from the Chart Thai Pattana Party, is likely to become the tourism and sport minister while Sanan Kachornprasart is expected to become the agriculture minister. Chumpol is the younger brother of Banharn Silpa-archa, former leader of the disbanded Chart Thai Party, which has been banned from politics for five years.
Another appointee from the former Chart Thai Party is Arunee Prisanananthakul, who is set to become deputy agriculture minister. Arunee is the niece of former agriculture minister Somsak Prisanananthakul.
Suwit Khunkitti, a former industry minister and ex-leader of the Puea Pandin Party, is expected to become natural resources and environment minister. He is now the leader of the Social Action Party.
Most of these ministers belong in a police lineup instead of running the country.
Newin's faction gets Transport and Interior. Those two ministries are traditionally the ATM machines for the most corrupt. With all the new infrastructure projects on the table, Newin and company are looking to get even more filthy rich, and with the Interior Ministry under their control as well, who will be in a position to investigate their crimes? The Fox will be guarding the hen house.
Agriculture will be in the hands of Sanan, another convicted criminal.
Defender of Thai virginity and procurer of school uniform kickbacks, Suwit Khunkitt, will be getting his grubby hands of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.
Of course, we won't be hearing any sanctimonious cries from The Nation about Ugly Duckling cabinets or terrorist acts from the PAD in defense of ridding the country of the Democrat Party's coalition of corruption.
The Nation
The Friends of Newin faction, whose defection led to Abhisit Vejjajiva's clinching of the prime minister post and who have since been branded as traitors by pro-Thaksin supporters, are set to get the much-coveted interior and transport portfolios in the first Democrat Party-led administration in almost eight years.
---
PM Abhisit told reporters yesterday that he did not regard the slating of ministerial posts to Newin followers as a loss for the Democrat Party, adding that all the Cabinet members would work under him for the entire country, and not for the Democrat Party alone.
Former caretaker Prime Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul is likely to become interior minister.
Chaovarat is the father of Anuthin Chanweerakul, a former deputy public health minister and a close friend of banned politician Newin Chidchob. As caretaker PM, Chaovarat defied pressure from fellow colleagues in the Pheu Thai Party for him to dissolve the House of Representatives when it became clear that the Democrat Party had gathered enough support to form a new government.
MPs from the Friends of Newin faction were also expected to serve as deputy ministers in the interior and transport ministries.
Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban yesterday had to explain at length to convince party executives why the interior seat had to be given to the Friends of Newin, a breakaway faction from the disbanded People Power Party.
Suthep explained to the disappointed Democrat executives that it was one of the conditions sought by the Newin faction in exchange for their support for Abhisit, a party source said. Suthep was quoted as saying that, "Without them, we wouldn't have become the government."
Ex-senator Chumpol Silpa-archa, from the Chart Thai Pattana Party, is likely to become the tourism and sport minister while Sanan Kachornprasart is expected to become the agriculture minister. Chumpol is the younger brother of Banharn Silpa-archa, former leader of the disbanded Chart Thai Party, which has been banned from politics for five years.
Another appointee from the former Chart Thai Party is Arunee Prisanananthakul, who is set to become deputy agriculture minister. Arunee is the niece of former agriculture minister Somsak Prisanananthakul.
Suwit Khunkitti, a former industry minister and ex-leader of the Puea Pandin Party, is expected to become natural resources and environment minister. He is now the leader of the Social Action Party.
Most of these ministers belong in a police lineup instead of running the country.
Newin's faction gets Transport and Interior. Those two ministries are traditionally the ATM machines for the most corrupt. With all the new infrastructure projects on the table, Newin and company are looking to get even more filthy rich, and with the Interior Ministry under their control as well, who will be in a position to investigate their crimes? The Fox will be guarding the hen house.
Agriculture will be in the hands of Sanan, another convicted criminal.
Defender of Thai virginity and procurer of school uniform kickbacks, Suwit Khunkitt, will be getting his grubby hands of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.
Of course, we won't be hearing any sanctimonious cries from The Nation about Ugly Duckling cabinets or terrorist acts from the PAD in defense of ridding the country of the Democrat Party's coalition of corruption.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Asia Times: Shawn Crispin's Interview with Abhisit Vejjajiva
The choice of a new generation in Thailand
By Shawn W Crispin
Asia Times
BANGKOK - Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva says that he and his party represent a "new generation" of political leadership, the electoral choice to break with the bad old ways of Thailand's often corrupt political past. The question now looming over the country's December 23 democratic polls is whether the Thai electorate believes that the 43-year-old career politician who first entered politics in 1992 has finally come of age to lead.
Read the interview in its entirety here.
OK, I am not going to call Nong Mark a retard, like I did with Samak, because he didn't sound retarded at all. I am actually elated that there is a Thai leader who is capable of stringing an English sentence together without sounding like an utter moron.
Indeed, Mark was so uncontroversial and boring in this interview that there really is nothing to comment on.
Actually, I have a couple comments, but I haven't decided if these are criticisms or compliments, yet.
First, Mark sounds entirely scripted, which, depending on where you stand on scripted politicians, can be a good or bad thing. I like that Mark is disciplined and stays on message, but, to be honest, I like the Samakian retorts because they are entertaining and controversial.
Second, Mark almost sounded like Bill Clinton. Now, I have a great deal of love and affection for Bill Clinton, but I don't know if it is a good idea for a Thai politician to steal his entire persona, including his 1992 campaign slogan "Putting People First"
Third, and this has nothing to do with either Samak or Abhisit, but I don't think Shawn Crispin should be doing interviews. He should stick with the writing.
Let me put it this way: There are interviewers whom I love and whom I hate. I hate, for example, Thepchai Yong, Suthichai Yoon, Larry King and Tim Russert. These guys are idiots and prove it every time they do interviews. I was watching Larry King the other night and I watched 5 minutes of him before I wanted to blow my brains out.
Then, there is my favorite interviewer, Tim Sebastian, from the BBC. He used to do Hard Talk, which I have to admit was my favorite interview program. Now, Tim Sebastien is tenacious. He is relentless. And he doesn't care who he is talking to, because he wants to cut through the bull.
I'd have to say that Tim Sebastian is my hero. And he should be training every journalist who wants to be in the interview game.
Now, Shawn Crispin ain't no Tim Sebastian. He is more Larry King. From his interview with Abhisit, was there anything new to learn that you couldn't get from a press statement or from the website? He might as well have been soft-balling to Angelina Jolie.
By Shawn W Crispin
Asia Times
BANGKOK - Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva says that he and his party represent a "new generation" of political leadership, the electoral choice to break with the bad old ways of Thailand's often corrupt political past. The question now looming over the country's December 23 democratic polls is whether the Thai electorate believes that the 43-year-old career politician who first entered politics in 1992 has finally come of age to lead.
Read the interview in its entirety here.
OK, I am not going to call Nong Mark a retard, like I did with Samak, because he didn't sound retarded at all. I am actually elated that there is a Thai leader who is capable of stringing an English sentence together without sounding like an utter moron.
Indeed, Mark was so uncontroversial and boring in this interview that there really is nothing to comment on.
Actually, I have a couple comments, but I haven't decided if these are criticisms or compliments, yet.
First, Mark sounds entirely scripted, which, depending on where you stand on scripted politicians, can be a good or bad thing. I like that Mark is disciplined and stays on message, but, to be honest, I like the Samakian retorts because they are entertaining and controversial.
Second, Mark almost sounded like Bill Clinton. Now, I have a great deal of love and affection for Bill Clinton, but I don't know if it is a good idea for a Thai politician to steal his entire persona, including his 1992 campaign slogan "Putting People First"
Third, and this has nothing to do with either Samak or Abhisit, but I don't think Shawn Crispin should be doing interviews. He should stick with the writing.
Let me put it this way: There are interviewers whom I love and whom I hate. I hate, for example, Thepchai Yong, Suthichai Yoon, Larry King and Tim Russert. These guys are idiots and prove it every time they do interviews. I was watching Larry King the other night and I watched 5 minutes of him before I wanted to blow my brains out.
Then, there is my favorite interviewer, Tim Sebastian, from the BBC. He used to do Hard Talk, which I have to admit was my favorite interview program. Now, Tim Sebastien is tenacious. He is relentless. And he doesn't care who he is talking to, because he wants to cut through the bull.
I'd have to say that Tim Sebastian is my hero. And he should be training every journalist who wants to be in the interview game.
Now, Shawn Crispin ain't no Tim Sebastian. He is more Larry King. From his interview with Abhisit, was there anything new to learn that you couldn't get from a press statement or from the website? He might as well have been soft-balling to Angelina Jolie.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Time Magazine: Is Abhisit Vejjajiva Thailand's Next Leader?
By Hannah Beech
Meet the idealist who may well become Thailand's next Prime Minister. As head of Thailand's oldest political party, the Democrats, Abhisit has emerged as an early front-runner in elections slated for December. Yet history has taken an ironic twist for the now 43-year-old politician. The upcoming polls are the handiwork of the very military whose overthrow spurred Abhisit's political passions more than three decades ago. After deposing Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a bloodless army coup last September, Thailand's ruling junta promised to restore democracy by the end of this year. Now that the new constitution overseen by the generals has won a 58% approval rating in a referendum on Aug. 19, the junta appears committed to carrying out its pledge to hold elections by year's end. But Thaksin, who has been charged with corruption, is in exile, living mostly in London, while top members of his Thai Rak Thai Party have been banned from politics after a junta-appointed tribunal convicted them of electoral fraud in May. That leaves the Democrats in their strongest position since losing power to Thaksin back in 2001. Hardly a cocky politician, Abhisit is predicting success in December. "I believe that democracy will reward the Democrats," he says with a bashful grin.
link
Let's see: The Democrats couldn't win two elections last year: they boycotted the first election because they knew they would lose and then gleefully supported the the military coup before the election scheduled in October because they knew they would lose again.
Abhisit is a joke. He doesn't stand for democracy. He hates democracy and his record is clear on the subject. Not only that, as far as public policy goes, besides supporting boycotts, coups and conspiracy theories, I still don't know what the Democrat Party platform is.
My prediction is that unless the Democrats ally themselves with a general's party, which will have the full force of the state backing it, they will lose again.
Meet the idealist who may well become Thailand's next Prime Minister. As head of Thailand's oldest political party, the Democrats, Abhisit has emerged as an early front-runner in elections slated for December. Yet history has taken an ironic twist for the now 43-year-old politician. The upcoming polls are the handiwork of the very military whose overthrow spurred Abhisit's political passions more than three decades ago. After deposing Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a bloodless army coup last September, Thailand's ruling junta promised to restore democracy by the end of this year. Now that the new constitution overseen by the generals has won a 58% approval rating in a referendum on Aug. 19, the junta appears committed to carrying out its pledge to hold elections by year's end. But Thaksin, who has been charged with corruption, is in exile, living mostly in London, while top members of his Thai Rak Thai Party have been banned from politics after a junta-appointed tribunal convicted them of electoral fraud in May. That leaves the Democrats in their strongest position since losing power to Thaksin back in 2001. Hardly a cocky politician, Abhisit is predicting success in December. "I believe that democracy will reward the Democrats," he says with a bashful grin.
link
Let's see: The Democrats couldn't win two elections last year: they boycotted the first election because they knew they would lose and then gleefully supported the the military coup before the election scheduled in October because they knew they would lose again.
Abhisit is a joke. He doesn't stand for democracy. He hates democracy and his record is clear on the subject. Not only that, as far as public policy goes, besides supporting boycotts, coups and conspiracy theories, I still don't know what the Democrat Party platform is.
My prediction is that unless the Democrats ally themselves with a general's party, which will have the full force of the state backing it, they will lose again.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Democrat Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva Disappoints: No Vision, No Platform, Voice of Resignation
Junta, Govt urged to patch up differences
The Nation
Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has called on the junta and its government to patch up their reported differences in order to return democracy - even an "imperfect" one - to the people as soon as possible.
In an article on the party's website, and also distributed to the media, Abhisit appeared to reflect the public's growing weariness and suspicion, and said if interim leaders occupied themselves with "how to get off the tiger's back safely", it would, ironically, doom them and put the nation in jeopardy.
Do not expect a better constitution? Then what was the point of scraping the last one if we are just going to make the next one even worse. And Abhisit must be the only politician in the world who believes procrastination is a substitute for public policy.
If this is true, then why are so many people making so much noise. The PAD isn't happy. The Thaksinistas aren't happy. I don't necessarily disagree with Abhisit here, but to say that most people want the status quo really demonstrates he is out of touch.
This really is pathetic. If the coup leaders lied, Abhisit should be demanding why they lied and hold them accountable for their agenda. Abhisit is the leader of the oldest political party in Thailand. Instead of acting like a pussy, he should be stepping up and show what he is made of.
Nice. That is all we need. Thai people to lower their expectations, more. Instead of being called the "Land of Smiles," Thailand should be renamed "The Land of Low Expectations."
My instincts tell me that the junta leaders are not going to play major roles after the new constitution and the elections. But Sonthi lied and said there would never be a coup. So who knows? I think the military will play a role, especially until after the succession, but I don't think it will be a repeat of '92.
The Nation
Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has called on the junta and its government to patch up their reported differences in order to return democracy - even an "imperfect" one - to the people as soon as possible.
In an article on the party's website, and also distributed to the media, Abhisit appeared to reflect the public's growing weariness and suspicion, and said if interim leaders occupied themselves with "how to get off the tiger's back safely", it would, ironically, doom them and put the nation in jeopardy.
"To the Thai people, the only hope now is that all parties would just help the country scrape through until we can hold a general election, after which our problems can be gradually solved," he wrote.
"[The people] do not expect a better constitution [than the 1997 charter]. We just want one good enough for a return to democracy and to pave the way for appropriate solutions to the country's troubles later.
Do not expect a better constitution? Then what was the point of scraping the last one if we are just going to make the next one even worse. And Abhisit must be the only politician in the world who believes procrastination is a substitute for public policy.
"And, the people do not expect much policy-wise, either. The country just needs a functioning economy, and law and order. In short, no more problems than at present.
If this is true, then why are so many people making so much noise. The PAD isn't happy. The Thaksinistas aren't happy. I don't necessarily disagree with Abhisit here, but to say that most people want the status quo really demonstrates he is out of touch.
"Even of the proclaimed agenda of the [coup leaders] announced when the September 19 coup was staged, many Thais have resigned themselves to the fact that things won't turn out as they expected," Abhisit said.
This really is pathetic. If the coup leaders lied, Abhisit should be demanding why they lied and hold them accountable for their agenda. Abhisit is the leader of the oldest political party in Thailand. Instead of acting like a pussy, he should be stepping up and show what he is made of.
The Democrat leader noted it would be easier for the Thai public to lower their expectations than for those in power to ease concerns about their own political future.
Nice. That is all we need. Thai people to lower their expectations, more. Instead of being called the "Land of Smiles," Thailand should be renamed "The Land of Low Expectations."
"If the powers-that-be look to the future and think about only one thing - how to get off the tiger's back safely - it will be a very big mistake. Even more so if they now are thinking they have to find a way to hold on to power, one way or another," he said.
"It will be a big mistake not just for themselves, because the country will be put on a risky and confrontational path, and the crisis will intensify. And, ironically, it will make their departure from the country's helm a lot more dangerous."
My instincts tell me that the junta leaders are not going to play major roles after the new constitution and the elections. But Sonthi lied and said there would never be a coup. So who knows? I think the military will play a role, especially until after the succession, but I don't think it will be a repeat of '92.
Abhisit said the final six months in power for military leaders and their government should see continuous and serious efforts to fulfil the coup agenda.
In addition there should be the laying of groundwork for a general election, protection of media freedom, setting up a bureaucratic system to prevent state officials becoming "tools of corruption" and a national campaign to promote political ethics and morality.
"Most importantly, the interim leaders must stay away from corruption themselves. They must counter accumulating allegations or the people would lose hope and become convinced that change of power can never solve the problem of abuse of power and would serve only to change the beneficiaries of abuse of power," he said.
These last three paragraphs are all bullshit. I don't think there will be a serious case against Thaksin. I think the new constitution will suck. The Thai media will continue to be self-serving and worthless as a check against the government. I think the corruption apparatus that was in place before Thaksin, during Thaksin, and after Thaksin will still be in place after all is said and done. I don't think any anti-corruption and morals workshops will change a damn thing. As for the coup leaders no partaking at the public trough, who does Abhisit think he is fooling?
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