Calling a stinkhorn a rose does not change its smell | Bangkok Post: opinion

OUTSIDE THE BOX

Soon after coming to power, this government extended a number of programmes that were initiated by previous governments and were labelled "populist" by some ministers when they were in opposition. The extension was justified on the grounds of cushioning people from the full impact of the ongoing economic recession. I said then that it also showed that once a populist programme had been launched, it would be hard to rescind. On the contrary, it could very well intensify, to be followed by other programmes, as political parties would try to outbid each other for voters' favour.

I do not wish to crow, but events have proven me right. In the last few weeks alone, old programmes have been further extended although the recession was over a long time ago; new programmes have been added, and some more are being dangled in front of various groups who are pressing for more handouts. The principal reason for the coming together of these activities at this time should not be hard to discern: the government is planning on calling a new election sometime next year and these programmes are advanced payments for votes. Pure and simple.

I also said then that populist programmes would likely lead to bankruptcy and side-tracking of development, similar to what happened in some Latin American countries.