Western Democracy Vs Thai Democracy

[Northman061]

Those of us blessed with generations of individual and personal rights enshrined in law, stand baffled by the "Democracy" Thais suffer (sorry, live) under.

I know that change takes time, but change for Thailands society has to be allowed to be observed, commented on and criticized if needs be, by the people and the media.

Over the last two weeks we have seen the Thai Elite bringing in their 22 year old sons into governement, and not 1 Thai seems to be aware or concerned about this "dynastic" approach to "Democracy". And a "relation" of the current PM (speaking from Eton where he is stuying) has said he might follow him into Politics.

The Thai Police and Military have close to 110 MILLION baht given to them, by the Government, to aid "Reconciliation"

The Government is currently closing 500 Web Sites a day, and not 1 Thai seems to be aware or care as routes allowing opinion and free debate are closed.

It is expected that the next "league table" of Asian countries, will show Thailand fall into the bottom two places, just above Mayanmar.

Those of us who live, work and have retired here do so for many reasons. The one thing we all want, is Thailand to be the place it could and should be, up there with Indonesia and South Korea, so we write and comment BECAUSE WE CARE and we want the next generation to have the right to question, comment and MAKE ALL PUBLIC SERVANTS ACCOUNTABLE!

[prometheus]

So in United States of America, population of 300 million people of highest abilities and freedom, George Bush senior became a president then George Bush Jr became a president several years after his dad, through rightly a democratic process. Also through this democratic process, John F Kennedy became the president of United States then his brother Robert became a presidential candidate.
Obviously, United States is the role model for freedom and democracy, people become presidents purely by their sole ability without support or connections of their family.
In United States of America, it is obvious that freedom of speech is an assured right for the press, written down in the very constituition which made up the country, so such thing as an oppressed press does not exist, Octavia Nasr decided with her boss to quit her job after expressing an opinion on twitter

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/nationa ... redib.html

Obviously, this is done on her freewil, no question ask.

We are saying all of this, BECAUSE WE CARE and would like United States to maintain its position as the number one in the world

[Baster_Hobnail]

I never really see Thai politicians offering policies, it seems to be 'Vote for me, I am nice'. It really strikes me as business men looking to forward their business ventures.

It also seems to me that Thais do not care enough to do anything about the problems as polticians are rich and rich people are somehow special and untouchable.

[taurus]

I never really see Thai politicians offering policies, it seems to be 'Vote for me, I am nice'. It really strikes me as business men looking to forward their business ventures.

It also seems to me that Thais do not care enough to do anything about the problems as polticians are rich and rich people are somehow special and untouchable.

Yeah BH on the face of things I don't think you are far off the mark in your opinion,

[Victor]

All those expat living here will be much happier if they do not come with a 'better-than-you' attitude and be content with what Thailand has to offer. Of course we are not perfect in so many ways but please let us do things our own way and don't be too judgemental.

[wilko]

In the West - familiarity (with Democracy) has bred contempt.

In Thailand the problem is unfamiliarity.

I can't see how Thailand can operate as a democracy without functioning organs of a democracy.
The law, enforcement and judicial processes, civil service, and MPs accountability - none of this works so no matter what you can't have a democracy.


all democracies have problems - but in a "functioning" democracy the problems are identified, criticised made public and even sometimes rectified. Whatever happens the govt then has to face an election.

Effective checks and balances simply don't exist and can't exist in Thailand.

not so in Thailand all this sort of stuff is swept under the carpet and the govt pursues a clampdown on the media in the hope that by the next election they can win a coalition majority......by fair means or foul.

2 things........
Until graft corruption and nepotism are swept aside Thailand will NEVER be truly democratic.
The Army must get out of politics - until they no longer see themselves as the final arbiter in any political situation Thailand will not move forward

[Silaworld]

The question is: are there Real democracies on this planet?
When I look around, the world is filled with oligarchies; Thailand and USA are both a good example!
I am not Swiss... but I think Switzerland is the only close to democracy country in the world. Swiss people do not even want to belong to European community and the way this "institution" treats their citizens with stupid rules for almost every subject, makes me understand why.
On the other hand, Thailand is not too bad for a foreigner either, provided you have enough money to do the things you really like.

[Victor]

"Real", 100% democracy exist only in Utopia. But would that be fun?
It's like trying to drink only distilled water all the time that will surely make you weak because your immune system that normally taking care of the various chemical composition found in ordinary plain water will no longer working.
We all need some spice in our lives, I say, and all you expat out there should learn to add some of it into your lives.

[Silaworld]

"Real", 100% democracy exist only in Utopia. But would that be fun?
It's like trying to drink only distilled water all the time that will surely make you weak because your immune system that normally taking care of the various chemical composition found in ordinary plain water will no longer working.
We all need some spice in our lives, I say, and all you expat out there should learn to add some of it into your lives.

I do not quite well follow your statement how a lack of democracy can bring fun and spice in life.
But again, I am just a Westerner who enjoyed and still does enjoy all democratic rights in his homecountry.

[Absara]

All those expat living here will be much happier if they do not come with a 'better-than-you' attitude and be content with what Thailand has to offer. Of course we are not perfect in so many ways but please let us do things our own way and don't be too judgemental.

True. Some expat’s do exhibit a “better-than-you” attitude. Nonetheless, there are also many expat’s who come with a “better-way-to-do” attitude. Frankly, I think Thailand would be in a much better shape had local people been more willing to embrace changes.