Sanitsuda Ekachai's blog - Latest comments on A society on the verge of colliding

In response to: A society on the verge of colliding

Abishit [Visitor] — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:50:46 +0000

As always I enjoy reading your article. There's real sincerity and dignity in the way you write. Above all, I enjoy the respect you have given to everyone.

In response to: A society on the verge of colliding

thom Carter [Visitor] — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 22:40:31 +0000

Using the plant analagy...A red Pea Plant flower and a yellow one will make an orange flower. What the Thai people need is an Orange Party. The party of overriding unity that believes in the system as a whole is surviving, changing, and imperfect. Long live the Orange Shirts! They are in the overwhelming majority of the middle and not to either extream. I will wear my orange shirt proudly as a symbol of the middle path that unites us all.

In response to: A society on the verge of colliding

thai1932 [Visitor] — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:45:57 +0000

Thailand will never understand a real Political problem by relating to the teaching of Buddhism. There are too many unknowns and nonstructured about Buddhism's teaching and the way to interpret it, without involving abstract opinion based on each bias background. Especially, the modern Democracy that many countries would define it without the interferences of any religeon, but, just base on the principle of " Separation of Church/temple/mosque/house of believe and State " Thailand could not run the country by Buddhish principle for one main reason, others faith could not accept this idea.

Another Misleading point in your writing by saying that our society is an open society, when a basic " Free Speech ", which is a basic fundamental tool for Democracy, is denied.

Since 1932, Thailand never settled differences through discussion for the good of the Nation, but by accusing opposite parties to be wrong, and stupid. Simply put, scold others. The outcome sadly ended with a coup d'etat, which going back to begin at ZERO again. We have never been arguing on the principle of Justice, Freedom, Fundamental right, Individual responsibility. With these principles " For the Good of the Land ", different groups/ideas/background could indeed find a common ground, and all could build a lasting interest/constitution.

It's been too long for Thailand to keep silent about the basic principles of FREEDOM, JUSTICE, DUTY, and EQUALITY. And without them, we would be bound into these mess.

In response to: A society on the verge of colliding

Sukumar [Visitor] — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:12:03 +0000

The word 'democracy' is never found in this article. The present messy situation is because democracy has failed. What has transpired in Thailand, is for some learned person to analyse and make a report --- and we will be able to know why the present messy situation has arrived at this point. Societies do not make the democratic governments -- they elect one. But societies do -- in one form or other, form part of the democratic institutions -- part of Executive or Judiciary both of which constitute the educated elite, and which are for most part, independent. Religion may help to bring a polarisation of unity, but a divided society, will have a temporary unity ! As the writer unknowingly sums up : the results of the ballot are not liked because the box is square !

In response to: A society on the verge of colliding

butch [Visitor] — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:05:32 +0000

I believe that as in the U.S. the former ruling party is jealous and believe that they are the rightful owner of power.Stop the politics and think about the people.The COUNTRY (Means the people) MUST COME FIRST.Elected officials are employees of the people.They must do their best to make peoples lives better.Be humble and do you job and stomping your feet like two year old babies.This is not about oneupsmanship.HUMBLE yourselves and get on with doing your jobs and STOP pointing fingers.

In response to: A society on the verge of colliding

ron [Visitor] — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 11:53:09 +0000

Simply agree to disagree. In the U.S. democrats won, republicans lost, and life goes on. If Thailand does not change now, it will forever be a low-classed 3rd world country.

In response to: A society on the verge of colliding

Sunthorn Skulpone [Visitor] — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 06:33:43 +0000

Now you are talking sense, Sanitsuda. Indeed democracy is like growing tree. Forget the pot, plant the tree on the ground and go from there. Remember, do not expect fruits in one day, one months or even one years. It will take more than 50 years to plant democracy in Thailand soil.

In response to: A society on the verge of colliding

Humanist [Visitor] — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 02:08:06 +0000

Dave's comment about Buddhism is not really accurate (consider karma), but it raises some interesting points. I sincerely hope that I do not cause offense with my comments. If I do, my apologies in advance.

Every religion has tenets to show people how to live their lives in a righteous way. That is half of their reason for being, the other half being to provide spiritual comfort.

Christianity preaches hellfire to keep people in line, Buddhism warns of bad Karma. I don't think on balance, that one is better than the other, in fact I personally reject all religions. But you could argue that Buddhism as practiced in today's Thailand is rather too forgiving as a force for modifying the natural (often horrific) behavior of humans. That is not so say I would like to see it replaced with another religion! Heaven forbid, if you'll pardon the pun.

I'm also afraid that the constant appeals to the Buddhistic nature of Thailand, and to people's "Buddhism" simply won't work. I find that most people only give lip service to the religion, and ignore its strictures when it's convenient to do so. Like the way Catholics cleanse their sins with the help of their clergy, Buddhists believe that by making merit they too, can fairly easily offset the bad things they sometimes do.

I might also state the obvious, and say that not all Thais and those residing in Thailand are Buddhist.

I think an appeal to a more humanistic way of thinking, one that emphasises the need to protect this material world, humanity, and the planet for this and the next generation, without the fall back of some future life or reincarnation of the soul, will in the long run be more effective. I also think that if humanity survives, it will be in part because the world agrees that organized religion is more often part of the problem than the solution.