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Back in 2006, the then opposition Democrat Party chose not to participate in an election - despite being condemned by many as being against the spirit of democracy, that boycott decision turned out to be good political strategy for the Democrats.
Now, the current opposition Pheu Thai Party has chosen not to participate in the Charter amendment process.
That may also prove to be good strategy for them, but IMO it is at least as much against the spirit of democracy as the Democrat boycott decision was.
If Pheu Thai Party really was interested in improving the political (& economic, social) situation in the country, then they should be a participant in the amendment process.
Instead of being obstructionist in a bloody-minded, 'win at all costs' way, I believe a responsible Opposition should argue each amendment proposal on its merits and of course they should put up their own proposals for specific amendments (instead of simply insisting on a return to the 1997 consitution).
They would be doing a good thing for the country if, instead of looking only at the prize, they worked towards getting the framework right, so the long lasting stalemate has some chance of ending.
If, in discussing and debating each amendment proposal, they find the process is flawed or being obstructed in any way, then they should publicise their decicions & the reasons for them, keep the populace informed so they can make reasoned judgements & decisions, instead of resorting to the usual appeals to base insticts (fear, envy etc).
I can understand how the PTP 'non participation' strategy might seem attractive as the quickest way to power because the plan seems to be aimed at destabilising the coalition government so that it collapses as soon as possible in the new year especially as some of the coalition members are desperate for charter changes, and the Thaksin assets case decision is nearing.
However, unlike the Democrats electoral chances in 2006, Pheu Thai Party does now have a real chance to make a lasting improvement to the political framework.
Unfortunately, all the signs are still there that no major players in the Thai political scene are able to rise above their own self interest (and that of their backers:), and it looks like the next year will be more of the same old T.I.T. bullshit.
(is it time for another coup yet? - seems thats the only easy way to change constitutions in Thailand:)
I wish my vast readership a Happy New Year.
(hopefully its not more exciting than what we can handle:)
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8 comments:
But they did participate last year when the parliamentary committee made recommendations to amend 6 provisions? This was in regards to deciding what to amend. They then decided they disagreed just to amend the 6 provisions was not going far enough and they wanted the return of the 1997 constitution.
Am not so sure what Abhisit's latest offer is regarding - participating in the rewriting seems incorrect as well they are not rewriting it now, they are deciding which provisions to amend. Go beyond the 6 provisions? Just the 2 provisions as mentioned in the article? A new parliamentary committee?
I'm only going on the reports in The Nation & Bangkok Post so the usual disclaimers apply, but the impression I have is they are insisting on the 1997 constitution, and refusing to participate in the amendment process.
They accuse the Democrats of not being genuine, but I think they can also be labelled that way.
(its the nature of the political beast unfortunately - but I concede we still need them, as absolute rulers and 'moral authorities' are no better:)
Happy New Year to you Pundit and thanks for setting such a high standard in blogging.
You are treating them as an opposition party in parliamentary system, expecting them to participate in a democratic process towards some common goal. No wonder it doesn't make much sense.
Just take them for what they really are - Thaksin's political tool, and everything falls into place.
Earlier this year they were all for amendments until they realized they don't have numbers to push pro-Thaksin agenda. Then they just gave up.
But at least they participate in elections (even win them, until they get nobbled by.............. :)
Now they hope they can overthrow the government via street protests rather than parliament, as the upcoming censure motion won't change the balance of power. And let's not forget Chaisit contemplating benefits of a coup if it goes their way.
At least they are open about their aims, unlike the Democrats getting all that extra help, and trying to maintain that they are the 'clean' party and above the dirty stuff - they did not mind benefitting from the PAD's illegal activities did they?
Now their aim is getting amnesty for Thaksin, and you are right - they are pretty open about it.
It's not new, however. The deal (PAD goes free) is not attractive enough - lots of people want to see PAD punished for the airport regardless of what happens to Thaksin, and it still doesn't answer the fundamental question - why should Thaksin get off the hook? Just because other people broke the law, too?
Chai Chidchob might be manipulating to get into PTP good books to join new government but it doesn't change the fundamental reality - about two thirds of Thais want to stay clear of any pro-Thaksin agenda, and about half of them are virulently against anything Thaksin.
Whatever happens, the reality is that Thaksin is not coming back, hasta la vista, baby.
"Now their aim is getting amnesty for Thaksin, and you are right - they are pretty open about it"
and they also want DEMOCRACY
"why should Thaksin get off the hook?"
What exactly has he been convicted of, and why did he get 2 years jail for it?
"Whatever happens, the reality is that Thaksin is not coming back, hasta la vista, baby."
If the country continues to hold elections, then Thaksin will continue to be an influence - lets wait and see whether the man himself returns:)
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