Reconciliation risks our own Hunger Games

COMMENTARY

Reconciliation risks our own Hunger Games

Published: 29 May 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

Can Thailand be compared to Panem? The thought briefly crossed my mind after watching The Hunger Games earlier this year.

For those who are not familiar with the film, the story goes like this. In a fictional nation called Panem, there is a wealthy Capitol which thrives on resources siphoned from 12 surrounding districts whose citizens are kept poor, starving and oppressed.

Now, as punishment for a previous rebellion against the Capitol, a rule was enacted in which each district is required to send one of its boys and girls to take part in the "Hunger Games" _ broadcast live as a form of entertainment to people in the Capitol _ in which the participants, or "tributes", must fight one another to the death. There will be only one winner and survivor.

This article is older than 60 days, which we reserve for our premium members only.You can subscribe to our premium member subscription, here.

Forum

Your comments

wantmyony
Post : 687
Send message

Discussion 7 : 30 May 2012 at 02.087
Post this to my Facebook
Thailand is like a rover got stuck in mud while on an expedition, unless it can get out of its sticky situation soon, it will never get home before sunset. Of course the passengers in the car are now arguing who is at fault for making the wrong turn, but when someone suggest they should all go out to push everybody is asking why should they. Its all about not getting dirty, all are selfish one way or another but what option do they have in the wilderness? Sure this draft bill may look like resetting the clock, but it seem everyone is missing the woods for the tree. Thaksin may be the lead actor in this whole drama but if apple timeline suggest, alot of seedy characters are involved too. The fact that the coup was to remove Thaksin and dissolve his party hoping DEMS will do a better job, it all make the draft bill saving thaksin. Without this bill thailand has no other way of getting out of its sticky situation and the sun is setting soon.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 1 people disliked this comment
drsmith
Post : 1,575
Send message

Discussion 6 : 29 May 2012 at 19.586
Post this to my Facebook
Without the politicians constantly breaking the law, there would be no need for reconciliation. Until Thailand decides to wise up at the voting booth and elect morally and ethically righteous leaders, problems will grow exponentially. Most politicians today are too inept at finding solutions that the country will need to remain financially afloat, concentrating more on political favors and enriching themselves over the good of the Nation.
Like dislike 4 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
crunchy
Post : 580
Send message

Discussion 5 : 29 May 2012 at 11.165
Post this to my Facebook
...Legally speaking, if there law that has been enacted during Thaksins administration(there is no abuse of authority, balance and sheets); there would be no coup and there would be no yellowshirt, there will be no red shirt protests nor acts of arson.
Like dislike 5 people liked / 2 people disliked this comment
smiles999
Post : 356
Send message

Discussion 4 : 29 May 2012 at 08.134
Post this to my Facebook
Whatever the theoretical arguments made by the writer we have to view the bill in the light of what had transpired in Thailand. Yes, it may free some wrong-doers, when there was no clear case declaring someone guilty, or the legal system was ruptured, such wrong-doers are deemed to be innocent. Even now, if we feel that some wrong-doers are getting a benefit, re-conduct the trial using special courts and make the trials as transparent, and neutral as possible. Knowing that we cannot do all the above, we just have to let the reconciliation bill enter the Parliament, and eventually, let the country move forward.
Like dislike 6 people liked / 22 people disliked this comment
Victor
Post : 1,300
Send message

Discussion 3 : 29 May 2012 at 07.293
Post this to my Facebook
D1's comment made a good reading. But, for the record, there is no jury in the Thai justice system.
Like dislike 16 people liked / 3 people disliked this comment
Eggmeng
Post : 276
Send message

Discussion 2 : 29 May 2012 at 07.292
Post this to my Facebook
Khun Atiya, when 4 paragraphs into your piece you reveal the end of a movie many people have not yet seen, we call that a "spoiler." Oh well, you saved me the 100 baht I was going to spend to buy the DVD.

Oops, what have I said? Please don't anyone report me to the ambassador!
Like dislike 15 people liked / 1 people disliked this comment
amazed
Post : 577
Send message

Discussion 1 : 29 May 2012 at 07.041
Post this to my Facebook
It's not unusual for a lawyer who has need of making a point with something that is not permitted in the court, but will go a long way to making his case, to bring it up anyway, and do it in a dramatic fashion. The judge stops the proceedings and tells the jury to disregard what was presented. The lawyer feigns contriteness but everyone knows that the point was made and it is likely that all jury members will retain it in the back of their minds, despite the judges admonition. As so often happens in this country, the intent which prompts action, (in this case, reconciliation achieved by means of the draft bill) is for show only and the real intent will be a by product of the bill. The judge is trying hard to instruct us to disregard the small point of disagreement and focus only on the great benefit of harmony among all Thais. But, as a member of the jury, I'm having a hard time ignoring who's fingerprints are all over this bill. This is just another, "bait and switch" scheme so often played on the citizens of Thailand.
Like dislike 29 people liked / 2 people disliked this comment

Reconciliation risks our own Hunger Games | Bangkok Post: opinion