The clone VS The puppet

COMMENTARY

Published: 22/05/2011 at 04:47 AM
Newspaper section: News

Certain critics and opponents have long referred to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva as a "puppet".

The puppeteers are the usual suspects, the likes of Suthep Thaugsuban, Newin Chidhob, the military and the old establishment _ the "third hand", or the invisible hand, that has supposedly been guiding the policies and direction of the Abhisit government, for better or worse.

Then there's Pheu Thai Party's candidate for the premiership, Yingluck Shinawatra. She's Thaksin Shinawatra's younger, and frankly quite ''hot'', sister. And never underestimate the power ''hotness'' has over Thai voters.

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About the author

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

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aruna
Post : 10
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Discussion 47 : 02/07/2011 at 08:35 PM47
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The constitution has been damaged by the coup and since then those who hold high regards for democracy and need to play by the rules are powerless against those who do not respect the rule of the game. The coup was a turning point that takes Thailand back to a polarised society mired by violence and use of force to hold sway. It will be a long road to recovery I must say.
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topanalyst
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Discussion 46 : 07/06/2011 at 06:39 PM46
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Anti-democracy group can not win the election.
So Now, Anti-democracy group has been scheming faultfinding Yingluck and obstructing to put her forward as a candidate for PM by a Judicial coup d'etat.
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Voice
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Discussion 45 : 31/05/2011 at 10:05 PM45
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Ian I don’t think the whole world is interest in our affair that much apart from foreigners in Thailand. The world is too busy with their own problems at the moment with petrol price, food price and economy that hasn’t come out of recession yet. What happen to Thailand after next election is anybody guesses! Thailand will be Thailand and corruption and anything else that has to do with the life of Thai people will continue. Is not only change of government that we need, we need real miracle if there is one! We need to change our attitude of everything and that is very hard I suppose it almost impossible to see unless we have good example to guide us through. Yingluck or Ahbisit are only one small part of the game. Unless we could let go our old habit improves our old culture we might even be somewhere. Yet again! Mixing the two world of old and new could be difficult for their way of lives, and where would you be!
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Ian Wensor
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Discussion 44 : 28/05/2011 at 02:51 PM44
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The world will be watching how citizens of Thailand vote on election day because the outcome will decide as to whether they suffer the consequences of their decision or reap the benefits. It all depends on how they vote. If they're stupid and greedy enough to grasp the carrots Yingluck's tacitly offering on behalf of her exiled criminal brother Thaksin, then all will be lost because they'll not only have wrecked their own lives but Thailand's international reputation also.
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justin_m
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Discussion 43 : 28/05/2011 at 10:31 AM43
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There should be a third "face" in this election. Please do stay safe, K Voranai. I cannot shake the feeling that your country is going to need you one day, very badly. It's a pity they don't yet realise that day has come but not yet gone. It may well stick around for awhile, that day.

But whilst good-old simple greed may save Thailand from the madness of C-grade movie anarchy; it will quite certainly preclude our "all" being saved. Some, perhaps quite young, will continue to be 'employed' to run the engine rooms of various industries. Thailand's other smile; not quite as heart-warming, even if the smiles themselves...(initially) are.
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Ian Wensor
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Discussion 42 : 28/05/2011 at 07:55 AM42
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No matter who's elected, any hope of Thailand becoming a country of any significance in the international scheme of things is well and truly doomed... Thais have developed graft and corruption into art forms and have used it at all levels of society for their own ends and for so long that no one trusts them anymore. Their insatiable craving for money, regardless as to how they get it can be likened to Thaksin and alcoholics in that one drink is too much and two drinks - NOT HALF ENOUGH.
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observer 101
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Discussion 41 : 26/05/2011 at 04:13 PM41
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Perhaps once the Navy completes it's new acquisitions a new campaign song could be something like
"we all live in a yellow submarine"
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tomo
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Discussion 40 : 26/05/2011 at 02:47 PM40
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As always Voranai you are right to the core.As ive said umteen times there cannot be peace in Thailand because too many Thais disagree on too many factors,and you where right in saying that if Phue Thai win,which i think and hope they do,the world can watch how thailand will deal with that sceniro,the Invisable hand will not wear a Taxsin goverment.And you where right in saying that the sick invisible hand has already imformed all parties not to make a coalition goverment with the Phue Thai.Not hard to grasp,but sad to grasp.Thailand is heading for some dark days unless they except that the vote of the people is final.This is paramount of european democratic countries,so wake up Thailand where all watching.
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Aussie John
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Discussion 39 : 24/05/2011 at 08:18 AM39
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Voranai I would love to read your take on 'Organized crime and Thai democracy'.
That the two are intrinsically involved and have warped the progressive of Thai democracy is no secret. Why have these dark forces allowed to manipulate Thailand's cultural backgrounds to suit their families business needs? Why can't the reality of who is really in power be exposed for what it really is? Thailand's future generations depend on people like you in the Thai media to open the Pandora's box of dark secrets and truly shed some light. As the dark lords of the kingdom along with all those that have kept them safe must be brought into the light and justice given to all Thai people who continue to suffer under their illegitimate rule. The truth must be told!!
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howell
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Discussion 38 : 24/05/2011 at 08:15 AM38
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Disc 37 : Agree. PTP pandering to that greed. Why can't Thais think of their country first ?
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