Petulant playground politics

COMMENTARY

Published: 20 Nov 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

We know the pillars of democracy _ the courage to do the right thing, freedom of expression and all those seemingly important, nice-sounding things _ risk becoming a joke when those in authority start behaving like three-year-old kids.

That has already happened, and the joke is a sad one.

The incident in question is a recent press conference given by Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung. Mr Chalerm must have realised that Santa would probably not be making a stop in Bang Bon, where his home is, this year, so he went into full pouting mode.

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ringmaster
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Discussion 13 : 20 Nov 2012 at 07.4613
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And when will the Thai media take Somjit to the woodshed? She has given herself a perceived conflict of interest (two glowing books on Abhisit, one on Korn, participation at the 2008 PAD airport takeover, etc). Also, she is seen to ask questions that are intended to put someone on the spot and embarrass them instead of finding the truth. And as a journalist, she should report the news and not make it. Shame on Somjit and shame on her peers for not exposing her - they harm their own profession.
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ricefield
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Discussion 12 : 20 Nov 2012 at 07.3812
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There is nothing new here and a politician has the right to shun any reporter.

During the Bush administration, Helen Thomas, probably the best recognized of the Press Corps was moved to the back row during press conferences as punishment for the questions she asked.
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bkk-farang
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Discussion 11 : 20 Nov 2012 at 07.3411
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I think one of the problems is that few of us still think our politicians are somehow working for us. Chalerm is one of the best examples. I don’t think there is anybody out there who thinks Chalerm is interested in reconciliation and justice in Thailand. So if these politicians don’t do anything useful for us why are we still listening to them? They entertain us! It’s like looking at some comedian on stage: you don’t expect any insightful ideas or suggestions. We want to hear the punch lines and if the punches are hit hard then we enjoy them most. It won’t solve any problems but at least we have a laugh or two.
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upena
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Discussion 10 : 20 Nov 2012 at 07.3110
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Really, what has Chalerm done for Thailand except make outlandish predictions with no follow-up action?

Have the mafia-like types been removed from tourist areas like Chalerm vowed to do in 90 days - about 5 months ago?
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pquinlan
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Discussion 9 : 20 Nov 2012 at 07.309
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Well said K.Atiya.
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bikeme
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Discussion 8 : 20 Nov 2012 at 07.308
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A politician who refuses to answer questions is a politician who has something to hide. A government that controls who can ask questions and what questions can be asked is not a Democracy but a dictatorship. The PTP promised transparency during the campaign, yet at every turn in their administration they have thrown up shields to hide their actions. Pray tell us, when will transparency start?
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pjt
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Discussion 7 : 20 Nov 2012 at 07.247
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D1@domdunnn - you might be correct if Khun Chalerm were a back bench MP, but in fact he is the senior Deputy PM who chairs the cabinet when the PM is overseas, which makes him in charge in her absense. He is also, in my view, the point man for Khun Thaksin in the cabinet in order to preserve the illusion of independence from him for the PM. What he says and does is thus important because of the attitudes it reflects and example it sets as a senior leader of the country
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Eric
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Discussion 6 : 20 Nov 2012 at 07.166
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Ms Somjit had a similar incident when she interview Yingluck asking awkward personal pointed questions. When this become a pattern, you can't help wonder if she really has got her personal bias influence her work and made her lose her professionalism. I do agree that Chalerm handle this poorly by ostracizing her from all interview. He has the wits to confront her questioning.
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whatajoke
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Discussion 5 : 20 Nov 2012 at 06.235
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Have a poll to see if the 64% find nothing wrong with Chalerm's behavior, I think we all know what the answer will be. Khun Atiya, though I agree with you, we are likely in the minority. Remember, we previously had a Prime Minister who responded to another probing reporter by saying 'why are you asking such annoying questions, didn't you get enough sex last night!'
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bkposter
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Discussion 4 : 20 Nov 2012 at 06.204
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RE: D1 I think you are correct. The reporters questions are not questions are not really questions but but a complicated string of insults and accusations and insinuations based on her political beliefs and are designed to inflame..."Do you still beat your wife?" No other reporter is allowed to get a word in at all in her presence and her ego demands to be the center of attention. And Mr Chalerm has never been known to let insults roll off easily.
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