These comments reinforce my view that for a start we should be honest with ourselves and admit that we are not yet a democracy. Let’s admit that we will never have a democracy like countries in the West. There’s nothing wrong with that since our history, our culture and our traditions are different. Can we admit that we are still finding our way towards a form of democratic governance that allows the people, stakeholders, each political group and vested interests to have their space and be involved in the running of the country? Even if it means adopting, for example, a system where all senators are appointed and seats allocated to the military and bureaucracy in which places are filled by rotation, then so be it. This does not mean that a fully appointed Senate should supersede the elected representatives of the people. This idea may run counter to the democratic principle of elected senators, but past experience has shown that the bureaucracy and the military have and will play a role in governance. bangkokpost/opinion/opinion/420266/let-s-admit-this-is-not-democracy Pichai Chuensuksawadi : You sir, are, simply put, a disgrace to journalism. Not only is this piece of commentary intellectually dishonest and manipulative, but it also pathetically fails to conceal your feeble attempts to logically justify the unequal political rights and privileges enjoyed by the very stakeholders and vested interests (read: cronies) that are in cahoots with yourself against the will of the people. I certainly agree with you that we are not yet, and never really have been, a full liberal democracy. (I dont think one needs to actually admit that. A short stroll around Paragon eating some sandwiches will do the trick.) However, I am absolutely appalled that someone occupying such a senior position as yourself has the nerve to suggest that we should simply accept that we will never achieve a fair and proper system. Whether such a system is Western or not is besides the point and only serves to please your nationalistic right-wing audience. I couldnt care less whether or not our system resembles that of the US or the UK, as long as it ensures equal political representation and universal suffrage. Dont beat around the bush. This is not about history. This is not about culture. This is not about tradition. This is about one network of elites and Establishment dinosaurs that have no democratic legitimacy to rule or govern whatsoever yet refuse to relinquish physical control of the country and its people to the populace. And sure, theres nothing wrong with that, if you believe that theres nothing wrong with people being born with unequal rights. Theres nothing wrong with that if you believe that some people should be born serfs, to serve under laws enacted by military appointees and appointees from elsewhere. Theres nothing wrong with that if you believe that well-connected and educated people like yourself have the birthright to tell people whats good for them, and to decide which political groups should hold disproportionate power in society. You shamelessly take a moderate and conciliatory tone as if to call for a compromise. I am sorry but this is not the boardroom of Post Publishing or any other corporation, where positions and benefits are negotiated and shared amongst the stakeholders depending on the strength and resources of each group. There cannot be, should not be, and mark my words, there eventually will not be any compromise when it comes to political equality. Those who best represent the will of the people should be allowed your so-called space and involvement with regards to the running of our country. Any other undemocratic and extra-constitutional powers will and should be completely marginalised. It is not that a fully appointed Senates power would not supersede that of elected representatives. It is simply that such a Senate should not exist in the first place. As Editor-in-Chief of one of the most widely circulated English-language newspapers in Thailand, you should be taking up an active role in educating our fellow citizens about which institutions should have the right or legitimacy to enact policies, set the direction of the country, and enforce the rule of law. You should be explaining to people less fortunate than us (for example those who did not have the opportunity to study abroad) what the concepts of civilian control of the military, consent of the governed, and freedom of expression entail. Instead, you chose to present a dull description of the current state of affairs and our past failures as an absurd justification for the continuation of this feudal structure. I am sure you know full well what the elephant in the room really looks like. It just happens to be in your best interest to keep on feeding it while it is still alive, so to each his own. Just do me two favours. One - stop calling yourself a journalist, and Two - go and return your degree to the University of Queensland, there are many Thai students studying there who still want to get employed after they graduate.
Posted on: Sun, 13 Jul 2014 13:04:41 +0000
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