Thailand doesn't need democracy

COMMENTARY

Published: 27/03/2011 at 03:35 AM
Newspaper section: News

Article 7 is Unavoidable.'' That's the headline in Thai Rath, the Kingdom's leading Thai-language newspaper.

''An election won't solve anything. There could be a mass uprising because of it.'' Those are the words of Election Commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham.

''There will be a coup.'' That's the rumour we have all heard.

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About the author

: Writer: Voranai Vanijaka; Position: Political and Social Commentator

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johninbkk
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Discussion 32 : 01/04/2011 at 02:06 AM32
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Yes, but He is too sick to govern, and according to wikileaks, no one wants that 'other person' to govern.
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jerrold
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Discussion 31 : 31/03/2011 at 09:54 AM31
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democracy is rooted in local government directed from central government(bangkok parlement)
suppose there was "no need" to govern in a democratic way?
what you will discover is the rule by outlaws!
name me 1 country who didnt endorse the will to govern democraticly that doesnt find itself in ruling the country true the barrel of the gun.
These countries are currently eighter bombed or invaded by western democraties.
democraty is a MUST not even a question for the sake of mankind to be used in 'ruling" humans.
it took almost all excisting democraties around 60 years of (internal)struggle to be were they are today.
lets give Thailand the time they deserve......together we can(make democraty work)
this forum is the best example.
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Ian Wensor
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Discussion 30 : 31/03/2011 at 09:23 AM30
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nns - Discussion 29... I thoroughly agree with you but would further add: - It's now the elitists who control the Kingdom that espouse the belief that Thailand is not ready for democracy whereas it's they who aren't ready. Like tigers who've tasted blood, they aren't prepared to reliquish the power and control they've gained - in many devious ways - over the under priveleged and uneducated.
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nns
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Discussion 29 : 31/03/2011 at 07:51 AM29
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I read a while ago about a Thai leader who declared that Thailand was not ready for democracy as the majority was not sophisticated or educated enough and it would take fifty years for that to happen, I'm hoping someone can validate this and provide a reference. Trouble is this statement was made sixty some years ago. Sadly, many people in this day and age still feel the same way. This speaks volume about the vision or lack thereof of our leaders through the years.
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Ian Wensor
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Discussion 28 : 30/03/2011 at 09:41 AM28
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The mainly uneducated who've suffered for generations under this elitist system and now want change in the form of a democracy will forever be frustrated by those who'll do anything to maintain the status quo however, that will be their downfall... IT'S THE THAI WAY OF DOING THINGS.
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surething
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Discussion 27 : 30/03/2011 at 09:33 AM27
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One important question is also if democracy works in countries like Thailand ? I think the real factor is a well educated middle class of citizen. They are the only ones who are interested in a well working democratic system. The poor part of the society are busy with their daily problems and lack the understanding of what really going on an the rich do not like any changes as they are rich already, so why bother. The future lies on the fact if the middle class can become big enough to start a hopefully peaceful transition to a better and fairer society for everyone.
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josh
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Discussion 26 : 29/03/2011 at 11:50 PM26
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you all are made very interesting comments. Thanks, I like to read them. living in America for 30 something years I need to know what going on before I move back home to retire.
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wantmyony
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Discussion 25 : 29/03/2011 at 09:43 PM25
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Democracy is like a car, the police use it to catch thieves, the robbers use it to get away. Depending on who is driving , it can be hijack for self interest or to serve the people. Article 7 need to be remove if thailand wants to progress.
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SteveCM
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Discussion 24 : 29/03/2011 at 09:28 AM24
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Excellent points made by nns (#23). It takes planning, patience and perseverance. Unfortunately, Thailand is not noted for these. I love the country and its people but that doesn't stop me from seeing things as they are - including the selfishness of those who have got what they want and intend to keep it.
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nns
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Discussion 23 : 29/03/2011 at 07:06 AM23
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Democracy interspersed with coups and appointed officials will not lead to true democracy in Thailand. Each coup that took place set the nation back 10+ years. Yet people kept seeking the easy way out. The democratic system while not perfect needs to be nurtured if we are to achieve anything resembling the system of the modern societies. Decentralization is in my opinion the key to achieve this. We are almost a hundred years behind in this respect. Let's not waste another year. Here's hoping the government is serious about its intention. It's Thailand's only hope.
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