reallifethailand

February 2009

A focus on Thai politics from a long term farang resident and luk keug's father
Permalink : http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/reallifethailand

Tuesday , February 3 , 2009

BLOG COMPETITION: How can Thailand ride the storm?

Posted by redandwhitestripes , Reader : 2939 , 21:02:10

"There is no clear map. This is not the same as the 1930s, things are different." These were the words of Gordon Brown last week when asked how Britain would see its way out of the current crisis that has seen the British Pound drop to its lowest rate against the bhat for over twenty five years. They are words that Abhisit Vejajiva - who has so many ties with the UK - and his government may be wise to heed, especially since Gordon Brown has often been credited with being the most responsive to the credit crunch crisis. The UK PM was one of the first global leaders to inject billions into his own nation's banking system. The move was initially praised in many circles until last month's shocking slump in banking sector shares swiped his self-appointed glory. So how will Thailand steer its way through the storm? One thing seems certain - it cannot rely on past strengths. Tourism in Thailand has already been in decline due to last year's political turmoil and many potential visitors have yet to be convinced that the problems are truly resolved. The decline in visitors may well be exacerbated this year as families around the world cut back on life's luxuries. Thailand's traditional trade lines look shaky too. With the British pound joined in its slump by a weak dollar and volatile Euro, Thai economists must surely fear the same appreciation of the bhat that raised nerves under the junta a couple of years ago. Rice - of which Thailand is the largest exporter in the world - is no longer in shortage thanks to the fallout of oil price spikes last year. Good news for most of the world, but less so for home. So what is the answer? Well, if the man credited (no pun intended) of being one of the most competent handlers of this mess cannot offer a technical solution, then neither can I. But what I do know is that during times of hardship, people have far less patience. With tensions already running high in Thailand, Abhisit needs to steer a steady course. There is never a good time for revelations of embezzlement, gross incompetence or injustice to be broken to the people, but whilst such stories may have created rough waves for past governments, for this administration they could indeed topple an already vulnerable ship. The Democrat led coalition have gone out of their way to portray themselves as a unit that is just, capable, confident and against corruption. In these times of stormy economics and uncertainty, they may just be the qualities that see Thailand through. The alternative is not nice to think about.

"There is no clear map. This is not the same as the 1930s, things are different."

These were the words of Gordon Brown last week when asked how Britain would see its way out of the current crisis that has seen the British Pound drop to its lowest rate against the bhat for over twenty five years.

They are words that Abhisit Vejajiva - who has so many ties with the UK - and his government may be wise to heed, especially since Gordon Brown has often been credited with being the most responsive to the credit crunch crisis. The UK PM was one of the first global leaders to inject billions into his own nation's banking system. The move was initially praised in many circles until last month's shocking slump in banking sector shares swiped his self-appointed glory.

So how will Thailand steer its way through the storm? One thing seems certain - it cannot rely on past strengths. Tourism in Thailand has already been in decline due to last year's political turmoil and many potential visitors have yet to be convinced that the problems are truly resolved. The decline in visitors may well be exacerbated this year as families around the world cut back on life's luxuries.

Thailand's traditional trade lines look shaky too. With the British pound joined in its slump by a weak dollar and volatile Euro, Thai economists must surely fear the same appreciation of the bhat that raised nerves under the junta a couple of years ago. Rice - of which Thailand is the largest exporter in the world - is no longer in shortage thanks to the fallout of oil price spikes last year. Good news for most of the world, but less so for home.

So what is the answer? Well, if the man credited (no pun intended) of being one of the most competent handlers of this mess cannot offer a technical solution, then neither can I. But what I do know is that during times of hardship, people have far less patience. With tensions already running high in Thailand, Abhisit needs to steer a steady course. There is never a good time for revelations of embezzlement, gross incompetence or injustice to be broken to the people, but whilst such stories may have created rough waves for past governments, for this administration they could indeed topple an already vulnerable ship.

The Democrat led coalition have gone out of their way to portray themselves as a unit that is just, capable, confident and against corruption. In these times of stormy economics and uncertainty, they may just be the qualities that see Thailand through. The alternative is not nice to think about.

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comment 4
redandwhitestripes date : 06/02/2009 time : 18.52
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/reallifethailand

Yes, yes, it's oh so fashionable and just to attack the Democrats now. Aussie, obviously we judge people by their actions and not their words. Pretty much every coup that ever took place used the excuse of corruption to justify corruption. However, it's unrealistic and unfair to expect The Dems to reform Thailand overnight. You rightly observe some of the reasons why they cannot. But let's give them a chance to do what they claim: tax the rich over land and bring the PAD thugs to justice. Already, Aphisit has urged several old court cases to be prioritised. That is at least a start.

comment 3
AussieObserver date : 06/02/2009 time : 07.28
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/politics

"The Democrat led coalition have gone out of their way to portray themselves as a unit that is just, capable, confident and against corruption."

The PAD also told us they are against corruption and their objective is to "clean up Thai politics".

Obviously we should not believe either.

If the Abhisit government is "just" it would reform the weak, nervous and easily manipulated courts, pursue and convict the PAD and the army for many crimes including the Rohingas and crimes in the south.

The PAD declared victory when the court dissolved the Somchai democratically elected government but where is their victory over corruption now?

Empty words to confuse those that dont want to know!

The real problem for any government in Thailand is that Prem with his Royal connections and his senior military mates are the real power.

Even a government appointed by Prem and the senior military is not free of their control.

And, we can see what happens when Thailand has a "no-nonsense" decisive and principle oriented Prime MInister, who did send a lot of those dirty government officials and police (and military) darting for covers.

He is subject to a dirty vilification campaign, a military coup, more dirty campaigns including near destruction of the Thai export economy, manipulation of the courts and de facto exile.

Please put your creative minds to working out how to get rid of the real problem behind the government of Thailand!

comment 2
Ian date : 04/02/2009 time : 11.25
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/anterian36

"The Democrat led coalition have gone out of their way to portray themselves as a unit that is just, capable, confident and against corruption."

Only with words, not with deeds.

comment 1
iceberg date : 04/02/2009 time : 00.11
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/ranchhand

Just like you said, what I hope for in any government is that they are just and against corruption. There are plenty of ways to solve economic hardships. Thais, including myself, don't ask for so much to be happy. A little bit of helps will certainly sooth all the pains and give us the will to go on.

Problem with our country is corruption. Facing it myself many times when dealing with officers of the government. Simply procedues and nothing illegal, if no tea money attached to the paper work, it takes forever( I mean forever ) to get it done.

I pray for PM Aphisit's success in getting rid of these corrupted leeches in the system.

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