absolutelyBangkok archive · On our own
Originally published Dec. 7, 2008
Politics in Thailand makes strange bedfellows. We wish Abhisit Vejjajiva well, should he become the latest — howmanieth? — prime minister of Thailand. We all know that Thai heads of governments of the Democrat Party don’t really have a record of fulfilling their terms in office. Abhisit as the exception that proves the rule?
Some years ago I would have cheered for Abhisit to becoming prime minister. This time around, his name is ingloriously linked to the anarchy of the PAD mob. The only true democratic move Abhisit has made over the past few months was when he agreed on a joint session of parliament to prepare for the upcoming, meanwhile postponed Asean summit.
Abhisit in bed with Newin Chidchob is about as opportunistic as one can get. Not only would Newin grotesquely side with Chamlong, Sondhi & Co.
(what a thought…), he will set tough demands by offering Abhisit his Northeast.
Finally the amnesty?
Taking over at the height of such a political, economic and financial crisis is no mean feat. The Democrats become proactive at the wrong time.
Abhisit could make it the right time if he makes good for the wrongs committed over the past weeks and months by enforcing the rule of law and not rewarding criminality. But hey, that would mean to bite the hands that feed him. Abhisit has become the servant of too many masters without having shown true leadership and independence of action and thought.
He intellectually and aristocratically talked the talk so far, but refused to walk the walk. By allowing himself to become a silent accomplice of the PAD mob he faces the impossible task of gaining the trust of the silent majority. He’d be in an easier position if he’d let the Puea Thai to completely wreck the nation first before offering himself as a saviour.
Even with a little help from powerful friends you can only achieve that much.
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