OPINION

A double whammy

Re: “Perfect storm of discontent” (PostBag, March 8).

Edward Kitlertsirivatana’s thought-provoking questions about why there are so many Thais labouring abroad (both legally and illegally) should give rise to serious contemplation of the country’s economy.

Ironically, while hundreds of thousands of Thais venture to other lands in search of daily wages ranging up to 2,000 baht or more, the Thai economy itself is hugely dependent on labourers from Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. Without the migrant workers from neighbouring countries — eager to work for the 320 baht daily wage or less — the Thai economy, as currently structured, would rapidly collapse.

Thailand needs to urgently develop supporting infrastructure, policies and a high-tech workforce needed for a robust and vibrant future economy. The chronic poverty of rural farmers trapped in low-income drudgery highlights the futility of maintaining tens of millions of people in the agricultural sector.

Thailand must move beyond 20th century economic approaches if it is to avoid being left in the dust of more progressive and visionary countries.

It's not just about FFP

The meteoric rise and abrupt exit of the Future Forward Party (FFP) on the political scene is another sensational twist in Thai politics. The FFP appeared with fresh ideas for change and young faces, winning more than six million votes at the general election. It’s understandable the FFP’s dissolution is perceived as a setback for democracy and political pluralism in Thailand.

The FFP has made contributions to politics by stimulating political interest, especially among youth. The dynamic and lively online conversations on politics and student rallies indicate public participation in politics is gaining momentum on an unprecedented scale.

But the FFP’s popularity was a separate issue from the fact it did violate the law regarding acquisition of income, a serious offence that led to the party's dissolution. This is about the rule of law that is equally applied to all.

Indeed, the Election Commission is considering similar cases concerning other parties.

Supporters of the FFP must not focus so much on defending their motives for rapid change that they forget about the consequences. Political developments have to be viewed from a wider historical, social and practical perspective rather than highlighting a specific case out of context.

Chasing wrong guy?

I am amazed at how aggressively the EC is pursuing Mr Thanathorn. It appears they won’t be happy until he is locked up in chains somewhere for a good long while — shame on him for him once owning media shares, if that is, indeed the case.

I could take this a lot more seriously if they seemed the least bit interested in Thamanat Prompow who looks like a much more dodgy character having been locked up for years after being found guilty of being involved in the drug trade by Australian police. Apparently serving time in prison is not a big deal compared to owning media shares.