Not sure I agree with the appropriateness of Prayuth using the two Army owned TV’s to broadcast his opinions on the election, but I do fail to see any threat in what he said.
Putting that aside (for those that actually can), it worth noting what I consider the key message he was trying to convey.
People, you should not let others look down on you that you are easily roped in without carefully thinking if those people are good or not, (if they are) ethical or not, (or if they) have violated the law or not. I have said that some politicians act inappropriately, then, why do you still want to vote for them? (You should) vote for good and polite ones who intend to work for the nation to work for you.
If you look at this from Prayuth’s perspective, keeping in mind he considers his number one mission is protecting the monarchy, you can easily see what he implying. PTP has chosen to put several UDD leaders very high up on the party list. These are people that have made some very controversial speeches. One that springs to mind is one made during later stages of the rallies last year which included what could be taken as a direct threat against Siriraj Hospital.
For Prayuth, putting this person and the other UDD leaders high enough on the party list to ensure their election to Parliament is not acceptable and there is no doubt in my mind he was trying to remind everyone who some of the people PTP are running in this election.
Right man, right job, just fifty years too late. Let’s hope Prime Minister Yinglak promotes him to supreme commander and brings in a REAL professional soldier.
it is not a question of being forgiving, but of being realistic. The way out of this situation is not easy, will take time and development.
There need to be equal opportunities, there needs to be a police force that gets proper budgets from the state so it does not depend on outside financing to budget for even the most basic services to the community, and it needs quality free education for all.
Even all the above will not solve the problem, but there is something that could move Thailand down the path. That is an independent judiciary. Each time we see glimpse of it, it gives me hope. Of course each time it shows itself to be corrupt some of that hope goes. Without an independent judiciary we end of with this recent cycle over the last twenty years of political corruption peaking and the army staging a coup.
I will give just one example of what could be possible. If the judiciary had powers similar to the Italian magistrates maybe we could solve the Saudi gems scandal because the police are certainly not going to. With those sort of powers maybe ministers or even prime ministers could find themselves in court even while still in power. It was heartening to see the Italian people vote in the recent referendum to continue with these magistrate powers.
[…] ““р╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕вр╕╕р╕Чр╕Шр╣М”р╕гр╕▒р╕Ър╣Гр╕Ър╕кр╕▒р╣Ир╕Зр╣Ар╕Чр╕╖р╕нр╕Бр╕нр╕нр╕Бр╕Чр╕╡р╕зр╕╡ р╕вр╣Йр╕│р╕нр╕вр╣Ир╕▓р╣Ар╕ер╕╖р╕нр╕Бр╕Юр╕зр╕Бр╕ер╣Йр╕бр╣Ар╕Ир╣Йр╕▓р╣Ар╕Вр╣Йр╕▓р╕кр╕ар╕▓“, Manager/ASTV, June 15, translation by New Mandala […]
It is deplorable the way the general talked down to the people and seemed to forget it’s the Thai populace who pay for his and all the military personnel’s salaries. The general appears to have a misconception about a democratic society.
I like this, the more he speak the better in my opinion. Unfortunately he didn’t speak right out not to vote for PT that would be so funny.
Anyway, I want to ask the general, what sort of “change” do you really want? since we’ve made a considerable change afte 1997 but you lot has changed it back to the same old way anyway. So, really, do you want us to “change” general?
Prayuth has brought out into public display his attitude on the choice that the Thai people will make
it is timely and good news for Thailand that undecided voters will now see the attitude of Prayuth, representing his side of the military and many of the elite, and indeed will decide they will not vote for the incumbent bad people
I see Prayuth as representing the military and elites in disarray and likely to implode into a squabbling minority in a new Thailand
perhaps Peu Thai will only need to nudge in a few right places before the old guard crumble and are replaced by people that recognise the inevitability of existing in a democratic society
One only has to look at Thai history to see the real role the Thai military have played in the development of democracy in the kingdom. They have colluded and protected not only present and past corrupted politicians but also the elite who for decades have used the ‘ Thai patronage system’ to safeguard their clique like behavior and control over not only the economy but also Thai society as a whole. It has always been about ‘enrichment’ with the patronage system allowing them to work with impunity.
How can a country promote democratic principles when at its social core it is far from democratic. For decades the country has been ruled autocratically with a small percentage of the population manipulating policy behind the scenes. Thousands of Thais have died for their democartic right to have a voice and actually be free from these illegitimate masters. Thai children are brainwashed by authoritarian teachers who teach them to blindly follow, never question and bow to those with money, power and influence.
So the general wants the people to vote for ethical and moral leaders while at the same time still adhering to the revered and corrupted ‘patronage system’ that allows those with influence, power, money and course the connections to rule with impunity.
As long as the ‘patronage system’ thrives in Thailand there will be no true democracy as the system is the antithesis of all things democratic. High ranking Thai generals and policemen know this only too well so when they come out and preach honesty and ethics they are being open hypocritical as they themselves are a major part of an archaic system that has allowed not only the elite to enrich themselves at the expense of the masses but they themselves.
Real change starts at the top and if one really looks at Thai history the Thai military have always been somewhere at the top of Thailand’s corrupted tree. This is where the reform needs to start so who is willing to open the Pandora’s box and tell the people the real truth behind Thailand’s inability to offer democracy to the people.
This guy s a problem and I suspect the first priority of an incoming PT government is to neutralise him. Not sure how, but I suspect that if the expected PT landslide happens then the retrospective law protecting the coup-makers will be revoked and all might face charges of treason.
It’s difficult to see what other options might exist, somehow Thailand has to create a massive disincentive for future army commanders to launch coups-d’etat, whether originating from the palace or not.
I suspect a denouement to this almost uniquely Thai problem is not far off now, If I were Thaksin I think I know what I would be doing.
I am trying very hard to do what you advocate and vote for change. No more voting for old parties like Democrat Party, the oldest of them all, and clearly not the change you are asking for.
My next task over the next three weeks will be to work out exactly what change I want, and then cast my vote for the good of my beloved country.
Should I vote for the newest political party on the market – that’s certainly new and a change from the old parties. But yeah yeah, the politicians are mostly still the old dogs…
What about the first politician to ever confess to corruption? I mean, it’d be so so cool to have an ‘honest’ corrupt politician, finally. I can’t wait to learn more about corruption when it becomes transparent. I mean, aren’t you curious how money changes hand and how they changes hand out of official accounts?
Perhaps the first female Thai prime minister ever? And what a move forward that would be for Thailand – imagine: Yingluck broke the glass ceiling where Hilary failed!My – what an achievement, what a change! For once, we are actually better than the US! Ooh, I’m so so excited.
Or perhaps I should vote for number 5 to grant his request to be the opposition. Everyone wants to be government. What a refreshing change it would be to vote for one who wants to be opposition? After all, there are really no perfect candidate out there to vote for.
I agree with you that some politicians acted inappropriately – such as the one hiding in the military bunker when it was his ethically his duty and responsibility, as conferred by the position he held at that time, to deal with the issues presented by the protesters. My goodness, not only did he neglect his job description, he showed how cowardly he is went he turn tail and ran even before Rome started burning! Even Nero played the fiddle till Rome went down. You’re absolutely right! I shudder to think of the consequences of entrusting the lives of 60 mil people to such a – sissy.
And you’re right General – I will not let anyone look down on me. I will think through ALL my choices carefully – not one will succeed in roping me in, I swear. I shall make a decision that will be good for the country.
Please respect my choice after I’ve cast my vote.
Yours sincerely,
a normal Thai Citizen and a Bangkok voter.
Astonishing article in today’s Nation (not Not the Nation). As the Doctor said, it’s not the content that’s astonishing, but I, at least, am “surprised to find it done at all.”
Les,
it is not a question of being forgiving, but of being realistic. The way out of this situation is not easy, will take time and development.
There need to be equal opportunities, there needs to be a police force that gets proper budgets from the state so it does not depend on outside financing to budget for even the most basic services to the community, and it needs quality free education for all.
John,
you cannot just throw this problem at the UDD alone – it is the whole of Thai society. The PAD has had, when it was still a power, as many if not more of those figures – who incidentally are deeply allied with the Democrat Party, both in Bangkok, down South, and in the urban parts of Isarn and the North where they have support (look at the leaders of some of the Isarn chapters of the PAD and their professions. Many of them are money lenders, underground lottery figures, etc).
The area i am living in here in Bangkok, for example, is dominated by such a godfather – his family is long time Democrat ally, and his son is now a candidate for the Democrat Party.
Do i need to mention Nevin Chidchob (once with TRT and PPP, now in coalition with the Government)? Or Suthep Thaugsuban and his clan?
The ones you mentioned that are allied with the UDD are not stupid either – they know exactly that when/if the goals aims of the UDD are realized, they will not be able to continue this way. If you speak with some of them, you may be surprised – some of them are not averse to this idea either.
Thailand is not yet a developed society, but it is on the way to turn into one. Just give it time – Rome hasn’t been built in a day.
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Prayuth’s threat
Not sure I agree with the appropriateness of Prayuth using the two Army owned TV’s to broadcast his opinions on the election, but I do fail to see any threat in what he said.
Putting that aside (for those that actually can), it worth noting what I consider the key message he was trying to convey.
People, you should not let others look down on you that you are easily roped in without carefully thinking if those people are good or not, (if they are) ethical or not, (or if they) have violated the law or not. I have said that some politicians act inappropriately, then, why do you still want to vote for them? (You should) vote for good and polite ones who intend to work for the nation to work for you.
If you look at this from Prayuth’s perspective, keeping in mind he considers his number one mission is protecting the monarchy, you can easily see what he implying. PTP has chosen to put several UDD leaders very high up on the party list. These are people that have made some very controversial speeches. One that springs to mind is one made during later stages of the rallies last year which included what could be taken as a direct threat against Siriraj Hospital.
For Prayuth, putting this person and the other UDD leaders high enough on the party list to ensure their election to Parliament is not acceptable and there is no doubt in my mind he was trying to remind everyone who some of the people PTP are running in this election.
Prayuth’s threat
Right man, right job, just fifty years too late. Let’s hope Prime Minister Yinglak promotes him to supreme commander and brings in a REAL professional soldier.
Prayuth’s threat
Simon, 11
It was only neutral in the sense that yellow and red were both targeted. No question though that a threat was made.
Chuvit on the streets
Nick Nostitz – 31
it is not a question of being forgiving, but of being realistic. The way out of this situation is not easy, will take time and development.
There need to be equal opportunities, there needs to be a police force that gets proper budgets from the state so it does not depend on outside financing to budget for even the most basic services to the community, and it needs quality free education for all.
Even all the above will not solve the problem, but there is something that could move Thailand down the path. That is an independent judiciary. Each time we see glimpse of it, it gives me hope. Of course each time it shows itself to be corrupt some of that hope goes. Without an independent judiciary we end of with this recent cycle over the last twenty years of political corruption peaking and the army staging a coup.
I will give just one example of what could be possible. If the judiciary had powers similar to the Italian magistrates maybe we could solve the Saudi gems scandal because the police are certainly not going to. With those sort of powers maybe ministers or even prime ministers could find themselves in court even while still in power. It was heartening to see the Italian people vote in the recent referendum to continue with these magistrate powers.
War in Kachin State
God Bless Kachin Land. Dear God, please save Kachin people from devil burmese. Thank you God.
Prayuth’s threat
Where’s the threat? In today’s news both PTP and the Democrats have publicly said they thought the General’s remarks were politically neutral.
But anything for a headline eh?
New Mandala turns five!
Been a pleasure and honour to be part of New Mandala.
Prayuth’s threat
Does he mean vote out the Democrats?
Prayuth’s threat
[…] ““р╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕вр╕╕р╕Чр╕Шр╣М”р╕гр╕▒р╕Ър╣Гр╕Ър╕кр╕▒р╣Ир╕Зр╣Ар╕Чр╕╖р╕нр╕Бр╕нр╕нр╕Бр╕Чр╕╡р╕зр╕╡ р╕вр╣Йр╕│р╕нр╕вр╣Ир╕▓р╣Ар╕ер╕╖р╕нр╕Бр╕Юр╕зр╕Бр╕ер╣Йр╕бр╣Ар╕Ир╣Йр╕▓р╣Ар╕Вр╣Йр╕▓р╕кр╕ар╕▓“, Manager/ASTV, June 15, translation by New Mandala […]
Prayuth’s threat
It is deplorable the way the general talked down to the people and seemed to forget it’s the Thai populace who pay for his and all the military personnel’s salaries. The general appears to have a misconception about a democratic society.
Thai monarchy and Wikileaks
I’m waiting for Andre Marshall article, anyone got any update on that?
Prayuth’s threat
I like this, the more he speak the better in my opinion. Unfortunately he didn’t speak right out not to vote for PT that would be so funny.
Anyway, I want to ask the general, what sort of “change” do you really want? since we’ve made a considerable change afte 1997 but you lot has changed it back to the same old way anyway. So, really, do you want us to “change” general?
Prayuth’s threat
Prayuth has brought out into public display his attitude on the choice that the Thai people will make
it is timely and good news for Thailand that undecided voters will now see the attitude of Prayuth, representing his side of the military and many of the elite, and indeed will decide they will not vote for the incumbent bad people
I see Prayuth as representing the military and elites in disarray and likely to implode into a squabbling minority in a new Thailand
perhaps Peu Thai will only need to nudge in a few right places before the old guard crumble and are replaced by people that recognise the inevitability of existing in a democratic society
Prayuth’s threat
One only has to look at Thai history to see the real role the Thai military have played in the development of democracy in the kingdom. They have colluded and protected not only present and past corrupted politicians but also the elite who for decades have used the ‘ Thai patronage system’ to safeguard their clique like behavior and control over not only the economy but also Thai society as a whole. It has always been about ‘enrichment’ with the patronage system allowing them to work with impunity.
How can a country promote democratic principles when at its social core it is far from democratic. For decades the country has been ruled autocratically with a small percentage of the population manipulating policy behind the scenes. Thousands of Thais have died for their democartic right to have a voice and actually be free from these illegitimate masters. Thai children are brainwashed by authoritarian teachers who teach them to blindly follow, never question and bow to those with money, power and influence.
So the general wants the people to vote for ethical and moral leaders while at the same time still adhering to the revered and corrupted ‘patronage system’ that allows those with influence, power, money and course the connections to rule with impunity.
As long as the ‘patronage system’ thrives in Thailand there will be no true democracy as the system is the antithesis of all things democratic. High ranking Thai generals and policemen know this only too well so when they come out and preach honesty and ethics they are being open hypocritical as they themselves are a major part of an archaic system that has allowed not only the elite to enrich themselves at the expense of the masses but they themselves.
Real change starts at the top and if one really looks at Thai history the Thai military have always been somewhere at the top of Thailand’s corrupted tree. This is where the reform needs to start so who is willing to open the Pandora’s box and tell the people the real truth behind Thailand’s inability to offer democracy to the people.
Prayuth’s threat
Not so much a loose cannon as a loose dinosaur.
This guy s a problem and I suspect the first priority of an incoming PT government is to neutralise him. Not sure how, but I suspect that if the expected PT landslide happens then the retrospective law protecting the coup-makers will be revoked and all might face charges of treason.
It’s difficult to see what other options might exist, somehow Thailand has to create a massive disincentive for future army commanders to launch coups-d’etat, whether originating from the palace or not.
I suspect a denouement to this almost uniquely Thai problem is not far off now, If I were Thaksin I think I know what I would be doing.
Prayuth’s threat
Doctor, heal thyself!
Prayuth’s threat
Let me rewrite my last line:
I shall make a decision that will be good for the Thai people, my countrymen.
(As we know who said, the country does not belong to two [or one] man. … Thailand belongs to the Thai people, period]
Prayuth’s threat
Dear General,
I am trying very hard to do what you advocate and vote for change. No more voting for old parties like Democrat Party, the oldest of them all, and clearly not the change you are asking for.
My next task over the next three weeks will be to work out exactly what change I want, and then cast my vote for the good of my beloved country.
Should I vote for the newest political party on the market – that’s certainly new and a change from the old parties. But yeah yeah, the politicians are mostly still the old dogs…
What about the first politician to ever confess to corruption? I mean, it’d be so so cool to have an ‘honest’ corrupt politician, finally. I can’t wait to learn more about corruption when it becomes transparent. I mean, aren’t you curious how money changes hand and how they changes hand out of official accounts?
Perhaps the first female Thai prime minister ever? And what a move forward that would be for Thailand – imagine: Yingluck broke the glass ceiling where Hilary failed!My – what an achievement, what a change! For once, we are actually better than the US! Ooh, I’m so so excited.
Or perhaps I should vote for number 5 to grant his request to be the opposition. Everyone wants to be government. What a refreshing change it would be to vote for one who wants to be opposition? After all, there are really no perfect candidate out there to vote for.
I agree with you that some politicians acted inappropriately – such as the one hiding in the military bunker when it was his ethically his duty and responsibility, as conferred by the position he held at that time, to deal with the issues presented by the protesters. My goodness, not only did he neglect his job description, he showed how cowardly he is went he turn tail and ran even before Rome started burning! Even Nero played the fiddle till Rome went down. You’re absolutely right! I shudder to think of the consequences of entrusting the lives of 60 mil people to such a – sissy.
And you’re right General – I will not let anyone look down on me. I will think through ALL my choices carefully – not one will succeed in roping me in, I swear. I shall make a decision that will be good for the country.
Please respect my choice after I’ve cast my vote.
Yours sincerely,
a normal Thai Citizen and a Bangkok voter.
Thai monarchy and Wikileaks
Astonishing article in today’s Nation (not Not the Nation). As the Doctor said, it’s not the content that’s astonishing, but I, at least, am “surprised to find it done at all.”
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/&039;Invisible-hand&039;-throttles-our-democracy-30157823.html
Chuvit on the streets
Les,
it is not a question of being forgiving, but of being realistic. The way out of this situation is not easy, will take time and development.
There need to be equal opportunities, there needs to be a police force that gets proper budgets from the state so it does not depend on outside financing to budget for even the most basic services to the community, and it needs quality free education for all.
John,
you cannot just throw this problem at the UDD alone – it is the whole of Thai society. The PAD has had, when it was still a power, as many if not more of those figures – who incidentally are deeply allied with the Democrat Party, both in Bangkok, down South, and in the urban parts of Isarn and the North where they have support (look at the leaders of some of the Isarn chapters of the PAD and their professions. Many of them are money lenders, underground lottery figures, etc).
The area i am living in here in Bangkok, for example, is dominated by such a godfather – his family is long time Democrat ally, and his son is now a candidate for the Democrat Party.
Do i need to mention Nevin Chidchob (once with TRT and PPP, now in coalition with the Government)? Or Suthep Thaugsuban and his clan?
The ones you mentioned that are allied with the UDD are not stupid either – they know exactly that when/if the goals aims of the UDD are realized, they will not be able to continue this way. If you speak with some of them, you may be surprised – some of them are not averse to this idea either.
Thailand is not yet a developed society, but it is on the way to turn into one. Just give it time – Rome hasn’t been built in a day.