Our politicians lack ideological backbone

Published: 5/03/2011 at 03:37 AM
Newspaper section: News

"All the candidacy slots were full." Those were the inspiring words of Worachit Chayanant, son of Democrat MP Therdpong Chayanant, when asked why he joined the Puea Thai Party instead of the Democrats, during an interview on FM 101 radio.

Khun Worachit is from a family with a strong political background, and this is the answer he gives? Presumably, he had wanted to work for the Democrats, that's why he knew they were full, but he couldn't get in so he went somewhere else. What a wonderful way to show your commitment to your ideals.

And that's Thailand's problem. Our politicians don't have ideals, all they have are vague schemes that they want to help the poor, make the country better or, Buddha forbid, get rich through corruption.

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About the author

: Writer: Arglit Boonyai; Position: Multimedia Editor

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Aussie John
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Discussion 7 : 07/03/2011 at 05:50 AM7
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What is the 'incentive' in having clean politics in Thailand? When politicians and those behind the scenes who back them use 'clique' like methods of governance purely for profit. Who is really willing to reform a social and political system that literally accepts the behavior of those with power and influence. They know its immoral and unethical but yet they continue to endorse it. Someone really needs to open the debate on corruption in the kingdom, as its become accepted practice even by the Thai youth who are inadvertently indoctrinated into its methods. Its shameful and goes against all the Buddhist precepts that the majority of Thais are supposed to adhere to. Or is the national religion there for just obtaining 'good luck' and prosperity.
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Aussie John
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Discussion 6 : 07/03/2011 at 04:41 AM6
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Starting with real ethics and morals not just shallow promises that hide their real agenda.
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fundeena
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Discussion 5 : 06/03/2011 at 11:19 AM5
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"As long as money rules politics in Thailand and the so called "politicians" are more concerned about personal gain rather than working for the country and its people, nothing will ever change.
No ethics, no morals, no ideologies.
Where is the country heading?"

Disc.2.You can substitute Canada or the US for Thailand!!
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gibrutre
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Discussion 4 : 05/03/2011 at 01:59 PM4
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Another relevant and inspiring article from you Khun Arglit and thank you again for this! always a pleasure to read you, it is focused, argumented, constructed view and opinion and this contrasts sharply with the articles of your colleague Atiya...
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browser
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Discussion 3 : 05/03/2011 at 08:59 AM3
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Small oversight here, likely inadvertant. The Labour Party in Britain is traditionally a pro-union party.
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arch
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Discussion 2 : 05/03/2011 at 08:04 AM2
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Thank you for this great article.
Sadly so very true.
As long as money rules politics in Thailand and the so called "politicians" are more concerned about personal gain rather than working for the country and its people, nothing will ever change.
No ethics, no morals, no ideologies.
Where is the country heading?
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bangmodken
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Discussion 1 : 05/03/2011 at 05:58 AM1
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Well...I think I just read one of the best opinion pieces in a long time.
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Our politicians lack ideological backbone | Bangkok Post: opinion