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Before all hell broke loose in Bangkok, I posted briefly about the new UNDP Human Development Report on Thailand. When I get some time, I will provide some more substantial commentary. But for the time being – just one question – where is Abhisit?
The previous three Human Development Reports all had prefaces written by the Prime Minister: Chuan in 1999, Thaksin in 2003, and Surayud in 2007.
Of course, Abhisit has had a lot on his mind lately. But his absence in this internationally prominent report makes me wonder if, in the current climate, his government was nervous about endorsing such a clear statement of regional inequality.
The report is entitled “Human Security: Today and Tomorrow.” I am not sure whether the report has very much new data. It is another UN report, not unlike the ones by WHO on health for all, the ones on Human Trafficking, the ones on agriculture or economics.
Getting the Prime Minister’s signature on the report (indicating that he has read it????) clearly looks like a non-issue. Thailand has a Ministry to handle issues of human security. If I were Prime Minister and this were to come across my desk even in normal times, I would likely defer to the Ministry that handles it. Why?
The report’s title, though very important, is not comprehensive enough of all of Thailand’s developmental issues to merit a Prime Minister’s “John Hancock.” (for my Ozland colleagues, that’s “signature.” :)) It is a report that will be useful for discussion in problem solving and policy setting in the Ministry. Relevant points can be discussed in the PM’s cabinet.
Maybe because of my approach on this, I will never get elected PM, but that’s ok too. That’s my take on this blog.
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