Yes, We do know who your daddy is

COMMENTARY

Published: 9 Sep 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

When heir to the Red Bull empire Vorayuth ''Boss'' Yoovidhya reportedly hit Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wichian Klanprasert with his 32 million baht Ferrari while going more than 100km per hour, what did he do? The 27 year old kept driving, dragging the policeman another 200m and turned into his family's estate in Thong Lor.

When superstar Chermarn ''Ploy'' Boonyasak was accused of tax fraud, what did she do? The 29 year old told the public she could and should get away with it because she believes she's above the system.

There's a pattern of behaviour here. The same instinct kicked in for both individuals _ ''I can get away with it.'' Despite any trauma or distress, their initial reaction was that their status in society would ensure the patronage system favouring them in their plights _ and they were correct.

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pquinlan
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Discussion 22 : 09 Sep 2012 at 09.2222
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Well said K.Voranai. Please keep it up, but also let us curious farangs know if your articles find their way into the Thai language media?
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pjt
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Discussion 21 : 09 Sep 2012 at 09.2021
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We tend to associate feudalism with old money and old power. I still think many (not Khun Voranai) err with cliched statements about the rich, the amarta, the elite and the old establishment as if these are the sole representatives of the feudal forces. What is interesting in Thailand is that both sides of the divide are just as guilty of feudal behaviours. The 'much priviliged individuals' today derive this from their connection to the present ruling tribe (PT/UDD) who appear to have no real intention to change the feudal approach to democracy - in many ways they seem to want to reinforce it
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commonman
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Discussion 20 : 09 Sep 2012 at 08.5320
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Sanitsuda would say this is not Buddhism. I will say that in some sick way many Thai people actually envy these wealthy reprobates and would enjoy their privileges if they could. There isn't much of a sense of ethics here.
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robins
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Discussion 19 : 09 Sep 2012 at 08.5319
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Hit and run and drunk driving in Thailand are not limited to the wealthy, nor is the desire to escape responsibility for one's crimes. As for the 16 year old who hit and van and received a suspended sentence, she was a juvenile at the time, and no civilized society gives long prison sentences to any but the most hardened and violent juveniles. As for the claim she was treated better because of her families wealth, how many former bus drivers are walking around Thailand as free men who never did prison time despite having killed people through theirmreckless driving?
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waters
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Discussion 18 : 09 Sep 2012 at 08.3318
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The hallmark achievement of the elite today is to pay homage and tribute to a convicted fugitive. This fugitive was even given back his Thai passport, and with just a nod can summon his hand picked PT acolytes to Hong Kong or Dubai to give them instructions. Until this man gets 'justice' what hope is there for real change in the justice system, especially considering that the country's best graft buster has been sidelined by the Justice Minister? Thailand is going backwards, not forwards, and the elite are ecstatic.
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DongKampo
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Discussion 17 : 09 Sep 2012 at 08.3217
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It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to see a change in people's minds.
This is a good article but at the same time very sad as it shows what ordinary hard working people are up against...inequality across the whole system.
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android
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Discussion 16 : 09 Sep 2012 at 08.2716
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In a well developed country with an impartial justice system, freedom to access information and express opinions, patronage system doesn't work. That explains why democracy is an essential element for betterment of the nation. Thailand lacks all the aforesaid.
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whatajoke
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Discussion 15 : 09 Sep 2012 at 08.1615
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Given how unequal Thai society is and how much the masses are seeing red about it, you'd think the UDD would come out and comment on such cases. Events like these have been the catalyst or tipping point for revolutions in history, but I doubt it would be the case here in a thailand, there is just too much irony wrapped up in the present political argument, rich elite representing the poor, police allied to political movements and so on, I'm guessing that the Red Bull family contribute handsomely to both political parties.
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oldairman
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Discussion 14 : 09 Sep 2012 at 07.5314
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I think that with more people having access to the social networks and the internet plus phone cameras more and more crap like this will be out in theopen and it will become unstoppable.
No government or rich Hiso's will be able to stop it and when the backlash does come, and it will Thailand will be changed forever and hopefully for the better.
It won't be this year, next year but it is coming.
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Lazarisbk
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Discussion 13 : 09 Sep 2012 at 07.4613
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The message here is get yourself a powerful friend then go out and kill all the people you hate or stands in your way, and join the club.
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