absolutelyBangkok archive · Being farang
Originally published Nov. 11, 2009
Boring politics? Boring Thai politics? There is no such thing. Thailand politics by now have become a textbook for modern-day machinations and intrigue. Any dethroned leader anywhere in the world longing for a comeback should just have a look at Thailand. Thaksin’s the past you’d think. Emailed a reader:
“In any other place on earth I would agree 100%… But here is Thailand where all problems are solved with the most amazing, wacky, weaselly and mind-bending compromises. Abhisit will one day be his vice premier, you wait and see! There will be something for Sondhi too.”
Sounds like a soft form of textbook
Machiavellianism which denies the relevance of morality in political affairs. Craft and deceit are justified in pursuing and maintaining political power by use of cunning and catty tactics.
This political artistry of deceit dates back to Italian Niccolò Machiavelli whose surname yielded the modern political term. His work Il Principe, published in 1532 five years after his death, brought Machiavellianism into political theory. Controversial since then, being called Machiavellian is never praise.
I’m not accusing either Thai color or side of dirty means, but scrolling through newspapers, blogs and websites moderate voices calling for restraint can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Pumped up, hyped up nationalists keep the upper hand — Machiavelli sends his regards. And Machiavellianism says something about the ability to manipulate and exploit. A population for that.
Analysts are left with no choice but to describe the Thai political situation with assessments such as “silly,” “ridicule,” “childish.” Niccolò would have loved it.
Let’s find out if we’re an easy prey for Machiavellian machinations. Here’s a self test. Are we any better than Thai politicians?
The results will show a kind of collective subconscious. Maybe there is no way out. 20 questions, takes a minute, inspired by Salon/Richard Christie ’s MACH-IV.
Talk is easy. What if we ourselves are the problem?
I’ll update with an analysis of the survey results in a few days.
Are we any better? Are we cutthroats or pussycats, just right or way too good for Thai politics?
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