A political game played with fear, hatred and anger

Published: 11 Nov 2012 at 02.16
Newspaper section: News

A Shinawatra only has to sneeze, and the entire country catches a cold _ it's a dangerous political game being played.

Two issues were revisited this past week: accusations that former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dodged the draft and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's defence at the Bali Democracy Forum of the actions of the red shirts in May and April 2010. When Mr Abhisit called the findings of the panel appointed by Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat a ``political ploy'', he was correct _ and as a political ploy, it's a dangerous one.

When Ms Yingluck told the Bali audience that in 2010 the people rose up and defended democracy because it had been abused and overthrown, it was also a political ploy and a good one at that. However, she only told a half-truth.

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amazed
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Discussion 4 : 11 Nov 2012 at 09.114
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It's good to have Voranai back in form.

History is replete with examples of the miscalculations of opposing sides. A few informed people at the time are often aware of the implications
and the progression of events that appear to be an inevitable movement toward fate. For most people, it is only the benefit of hindsight that brings the events into focus. A teaching moment that is usually lost until repeated. In most of these cases, a strong personality, acted as the explosive and fuse while a strong cadre of like minded people with a vested interest made sure it would not be extinguished.
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pjt
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Discussion 3 : 11 Nov 2012 at 08.143
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Khun Voranai - underlying the antagonism is the belief that a conclusion can be forced. Neither sides seems able to see beyond the concept that 'force' is the only answer. Things won by force alone rarely are, because it is hearts and minds that count. These are not won through PR campaigns or nice words (but conflicting actions). Both sides are missing a clear picture of what they want Thailand to be and any plan of the steps to get there around which everyone can unite - so it is hardly surprising that fear, hatred and anger take root
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ggh
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Discussion 2 : 11 Nov 2012 at 06.092
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With the Yingluck government gaining international recognition for Thailand almost on a daily basis, one has to wonder just how far this recognition would go should democracy once again be threatened. With US Marines now stationed on Northern Australia and the US Naval fleet shifting their operations to SE Asia, one has to wonder if this is simply to keep China in check, or maybe it is also a deterrent to keep the coup hungry generals in their barracks!
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oldexp
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Discussion 1 : 11 Nov 2012 at 03.441
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Agreed.
It seems that only a new force can overcome this stalemate of fear and hate.
Are there really no capable, honest (as far as possible for politicians) people in Thailand who want to rise from the silent majority and do good?
There must be heart and brain and guts to be found among some 70 millions of Thai.
If not ... good night Thailand
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A political game played with fear, hatred and anger | Bangkok Post: opinion