Postbag: Time is ripe for debate

Postbag

Published: 22 Mar 2013 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha objects to Thai PBS's airing of a five-part discussion series which questioned whether the monarchy needs to be protected against defamation by the lese majeste law, saying that there are more pressing problems to be tackled other than the role of the monarchy.

I beg to differ. How can he say, for example, that preventing rival students from attacking each other is more important than us having a clear understanding of the role of the monarchy? He says that lessons on good morals are more important _ but surely we can study good role models and discuss the monarchy's role at the same time. Indeed, we can learn much from holding His Majesty up as a good role model, thereby accomplishing both goals at once. The general says we should not discuss the issue while political conflicts remain sharp; but, again, turning to His Majesty for guidance both enables us to lessen such divisions and analyse how an excellent monarch can calm stormy waters. So long as both sides are willing to reason things through and seek to understand other views, there is no time like the present to debate any issue _ especially while we have a king who welcomes other views, and hence is an excellent role model.

Debate away!

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snap
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Discussion 8 : 22 Mar 2013 at 19.278
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With regards to Burin's letter, what everyone seems to forget is Prayuth is not just one man acting along. He is told what to say.
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uberbraun
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Discussion 7 : 22 Mar 2013 at 09.517
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D2: Perhaps the next series of programs Thai PBS airs could be on What is Democracy, How it works and the Role of the Military in a true democracy.

Might also want to do one on the role of the Police in a true democracy too.

Another useful series could be, how endemic corruption hurts the country.
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jck
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Discussion 6 : 22 Mar 2013 at 08.566
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Well said Khun Burin. It’s time the army chief started to focus on his job rather than playing at politics.
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Renaissance
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Discussion 5 : 22 Mar 2013 at 08.345
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Re: OPHCHOI - Politicians go for short-term profit and gains. They don't think of the future consequences of their actions. Their goal seems to be to become rich at any cost. They can always blame the Opposition when things go bad. For example, look at how the UDD/Red Shirts/Dubai/ team is blaming Aphisit & Suthep for everything they have done. The Thais are easily deceived by their strategy and seem to believe everything they say.
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rebel4ever
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Discussion 4 : 22 Mar 2013 at 08.304
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If it is likely that Thailand will run into the same debt problems as Cyprus, then better run to the bank before the government takes a 'solidarity cut' of let say 10%...
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kena
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Discussion 3 : 22 Mar 2013 at 08.113
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The party of 'Thaksin Thinks, Puea Thai Acts' is going full tilt to saddle the next 2 generations of Thais with crippling debt - and even they concede that a large portion of that taxpayer money will go to corrupt officials. Disgusting.
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whatajoke
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Discussion 2 : 22 Mar 2013 at 07.112
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Perhaps the next debate Thai PBS can organise is the role of the military in politics. Should be easy, no chance of falling on the wrong side of a law.
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bangmodken
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Discussion 1 : 22 Mar 2013 at 03.501
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"Loan plan short-sighted" by Ohpchoi.

"How on earth will this or any other government be able to monitor corruption and spending on its 2-trillion-baht loan"?
That's easy. They won't. Checks and balances? PTP already said publicly that there won't be any. Just "a mutual understanding". And we know what that means,don't we?

"Govt at a loss to explain" by KT.

Just let Nattawut explain.
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Postbag: Time is ripe for debate | Bangkok Post: opinion