absolutelyBangkok archive · Politics
Originally published Dec. 15, 2008
Change is coming! Or so the hip slogan goes: We congratulate pretty boy and Democrats’ leader Abhisit Vejjajiva for having been (s)elected as Thailand’s 27th prime minister. Some red shirts tried to prevent the unavoidable and attempted to copycat the yellow shirts’ chaos tactics in front of parliament. But their anger was a farce in comparison to Chamlong, Sondhi & Co. who — according to reliable sources — popped some soft drinks somewhere instead of champagne. With the good news being: For at least some weeks we’re all safe from them.
Mission Possible?
In the true Obama-style Abhisit didn’t show much emotion after being elected. Statesman-like he kept his cool in parliament while accepting a handshake of gangsta face antagonist Pracha Promnok. But then again, the gentleman depended on not so gentleman-like tactics to become the kingdom’s political leader. Whereas U.S. President-elect Barack Obama promises and stands for a new style of leadership, Abhisit’s election roots in the same old business as usual with parliamentarians for sale.
Fact is, with Abhisit aka Khun Mark aka
Obamark a nominee replaces nominees. Now please prove us doubters wrong Abhisit Obama — or else you’re weak coalition government becomes even weaker and will fall with the predictability of Thailand’s monsoons, as TIME implied already last year with “Is Abhisit Vejjajiva Thailand’s Next Leader?” He is, thanks to a little help from friends and fiends. Kudos in this regard to the new opposition for not having dissolved the house. Thailand just got some breathing space — and who knows, maybe Abhisit dares to play a little Obama. Abhisit’s selection could mark a stroke of luck for the kingdom. Unfortunately, his victory stands for the failure of the system.
From the absolutelyBangkok archive. Back to all stories