absolutelyBangkok archive · On our own
Originally published July 31, 2009
Let’s face it. Any attempt in Thailand to represent the people in governance has failed miserably so far. In the heyday of Thailand’s pseudo-democracy under self service governments people didn’t mind too much, as there seemed to be enough for everyone and Thailand was a shining example above her neighbors.
Today, more and more people care about participation. Still, nothing changed. We either have a government insisting it is democratically elected. Even though, was there any choice? Then we have a government making sure it is democratically elected. Finally, we have a government pretending it is democratically elected. All serving political dynasties.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva plays a not too unclever game so far, remaining inbetween all the fronts. He’s neither leaning toward the Yellows nor the Red nor any side — out of his simple survival instinct that even he himself is just a player who’s being played. Will this replaceability ever come to an end? Look at stable Indonesia after such turbulent times.
Maybe the time is overdue for some strongman politics.
That’s what’s basically already going on — but again under the pretext of democracy. The government’s propaganda machine denigrates a simple petition as the end of the world. Hardly any other country in the world — beside North Korea — knows stricter censorship and a deeply entrenched bondage system ruled by hierarchies, fears and beliefs prevents any healthy, healing discussion and debate.
The more that is suppressed and concealed, the more steam has to be let off somehow somewhen.
Such simple laws of physics make it clear to every kindergartner that something’s terribly out of balance in the kingdom.
Thailand has become a modern-day witch hunt with crusaders invoking laws that have long been overcome elsewhere.
There are days you wish for a noble, convincing, yet authoritarian strongman telling them where the limits are and putting them in their places.
Fair enough, Thailand had her share of authoritarian demagogues. But has democracy become a less dirty word?
Giving up freedoms? So far those so-called freedoms are mainly inviting abuse.
Thailand just doesn’t seem to be able to deal with all the “freedoms” her people are so proud of.
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