I was sitting in the house of Jairan, a struggling farmer in Chiang Mai province, when the news came through that the Election Commission had recommended the dissolution of two parties in the governing coalition - Chart Thai and Matchima Thippatai. “It’s just like killing a tree,” Jairan commented. “You don’t just do it all in one go. You chip off a little bit of bark at a time and eventually the tree will die.”
In this part of Chiang Mai province they know how to kill a tree surreptitiously. Once it is dead it can then be a legitimate target for felling.
Not a bad metaphor for the persistent attempts at a coup by stealth.
26 responses so far ↓
1 Srithanonchai // Apr 21, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Does the metaphor mean that Thailand is in for a “de-politicianed” system of government?
2 Grasshopper // Apr 21, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Srithanonchai, isn’t the King a very good politician? Maybe Thailand has one big tree that creates a giant canopy and consequently prevents any other tree from sprouting…
3 Srithanonchai // Apr 22, 2008 at 12:33 am
Grasshopper: Ok, let’s use “de-electrocatization” instead.
I see many trees sprouting here and there, although there seem to be a certain area where they have had a hard time to grow. A soil problem, maybe.
4 colonel jeru // Apr 22, 2008 at 1:16 am
I went to Teves recently to get me new plants for my garden. I complained to Khun Jaroon who sells me all I needed for my garden that there were some really nasty weeds that no matter how much week-killers I employed just won’t die.
Khun Jaroon just smiled and agreed and said - - Thailand’s democracy is so much like a garden failing because of too many powerful weeds suffocating the bloom.
Banharn’s Chart Thai party and that new kid on the block Matchimathipattai are “suspected weeds” still. But Thaksin’s TRT were definitely deadly weeds that refuse to die . . . mutating into PPP form and threatening still to kill the bloom.
5 Lleij Samuel Schwartz // Apr 22, 2008 at 6:33 am
re: Jeru
When it comes to gardening, Jeru, methinks you have much in common with the hapless citizens of the future, depicted in the cult movie classic Idiocracy, who water their crops with a sports drink because they believe it’s got what plants crave!
6 nganadeeleg // Apr 22, 2008 at 9:15 am
Presumably Jairan was talking about those party executives who broke election laws (whilst knowing that strict rules that were in place).
Or was he talking about those other party executives who ignored (aided & abetted?) the electoral law violators on the presumption that they could simply amend the rules later to avoid the hash penalties that were originally put in place (as a deterrent).
Yes, both are ringbarkers who weaken not only the government tree, but also the whole political & democracy tree.
7 Grasshopper // Apr 22, 2008 at 10:45 am
Jeru, the canopy prevents serious weeds from sprouting throughout the undergrowth. However, a noxious weed that does manage to pervade the ecosystem and contributes considerable damage is ‘Morrenia odorata’ (or สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์) which is a strangler vine. It’s privy enough to get close to the main trunk of the tree which supports the canopy, and uses this tree for food and nutrients whilst ironically killing the tree. The main tree does not have any defense against this and eventually the killer vine grows more and more powerful, drawing all the nutrient power and eventually even sunlight that the tree would otherwise have gotten. Soon the tree will be killed and the canopy will collapse leaving many more weeds to sprout with all the available sunlight and the canopies composting foliage.
My position constantly changes on the ecosystem, so really I have no opinion, but I do wonder what you all think.
8 colonel jeru // Apr 22, 2008 at 10:54 am
I can’t afford sports drink to give my craving plants. These days I can’t even afford to buy enough rice to feed my hungry wife . . . nor afford to pay for benzine for my aging car.
But I’l try to scrounge some cash to see me some cult movie and maybe I’ll forget how miserable a plant’s life can be . . . while weeds and Thaksin and Samak and those self-seeking PPP politicians try their best to change the Thai charter that will stop me from being hungry.
9 Teth // Apr 23, 2008 at 10:45 am
Jeru, somehow I don’t think that piece of paper has much effect.
I’m surprised you and your military buddies aren’t aware of the futility of Thai constitutions.
And I thought you’ve plundered enough from the national coffers to feed your family through the ever turbulent international commodities markets.
10 colonel jeru // Apr 24, 2008 at 3:13 am
Teth I am sure you’ll be able to explain what you meant by “you and your military buddies aren’t aware of the futility of Thai constitutions”, particularly the “futiity” bit.
And if you can also substantiate your last sentence . . . me and my colonel buddies would be surely enlightened and more likely entertained by your inanities.
11 Lleij Samuel Schwartz // Apr 24, 2008 at 7:42 am
re: Jeru
Funny, I don’t recall you ever complaining about hunger when you were living under “Thaksinomics”. Perhaps, a businessman, as corrupt as he is, could manage the macroeconomics of a country better than an equally corrupt cabal of dunderheaded aristocrats/generals, most of whom have never worked a day in their lives?
Just a thought.
12 Lleij Samuel Schwartz // Apr 24, 2008 at 7:54 am
I would like to clarify my previous comment to Jeru. When I insinuate that “Thaksinomics” is a better economic policy than “Juntanomics”, it is akin to observing that contracting herpes is better than gonorrhea in that it burns slightly less when you pee.
Ceteris paribus, Thaksinomics is way too Keynesian for my tastes. Personally, I’m a hardcore Chicago School man.
13 Teth // Apr 24, 2008 at 10:53 am
Well, Jeru, your buddies’ actions speak for themselves. Thaksin’s actions spoke for themselves. The so-called solution to the Thaksin problem only really did the same things Thaksin did, but much more incompetently: prove that Thai constitutions are not worth they paper they are printed on unless we clean our act up. Truth is, I don’t understand all this continued barking from Sondhi, why didn’t they say a word when the military introduced self-serving articles into the constitution. Its clear their agenda is not the benefit of the country, but it is a personal grudge.
As for the plunder (keeping in mind the standards you set for Thaksin), refer to the less than transparent purchase of armored vehicles from Ukraine, buying Gripens at an apparently inflated price, arbitrarily increasing the military budget, allocating “secret” budgets for use, Saphrang’s takeover various state agencies’s boards of directors whilst pocketing 100K salaries for himself, reappointing board members with his own friends (eg Bannawit Kengrien), and being a generally incompetent fool. How has Suvarnabhumi improved under his reign? Was anything resolved at all? It is no surprise Saphrang claims his proudest achievement as chairman of the board of AoT was organizing the taxi queue. Over a million board meetings in which he gained a considered amount of money per meet.
In fact, the Union of TOT felt compelled to officially voice their concern over how his leadership managed to plunge their company’s profits. Not to mention the “special donation” TOT had to make to the Army for the purchase of communications equipment. He fired Wuthiphong Priebjariyawat for that, to jog your memory, Colonel.
Even the Manager turned on Gen Saphrang. http://www.prachatai.com/webboard2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6170
Even Gen Surayud the Privy Councillor isn’t clean. How has a lifetime civil servant managed to stockpile more money than the current chef-politician-TV anchor-prime minister? Not to mention a dodgy piece of land near a national park.
And shall I get started on Gen Sondhi and the assets a career soldier has managed to put away with his wives?
Or Adm Bannawit’s past antics as head of a small state enterprise that now ceases to exist because of his incompetence (and thus far un-explained irregularities)?
14 Teth // Apr 24, 2008 at 10:56 am
P.S. I sincerely hope you found that amusing.
15 colonel jeru // Apr 24, 2008 at 11:22 am
LSS I am always inclined to take you at your word - - that plants crave for sports drink, cult movies are entertaining and herpes burns slightly less when you pee than gonorrhea.
Any more of your medical experiences that colonels should be wary about?
16 colonel jeru // Apr 24, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Teth you still haven’t explained “futility” of Thai constitutions . . . “Futility” suggests “finality” . . . total “hopelessness”. But if that was the case, why would PPP go about furiously agitating for a rewrite and military juntas would keep coming for their suggested “improved” versions?
And you have not substantiated your libelous claim, that “you thought I (you were clearly pointing your finger at the clean-cut ramrod-straight honest-to-goodness Colonel Jeru) have plundered enough from the national coffers to feed your family through the ever turbulent international commodities markets. ”
Apologize Teth, apologize!
BTW I resent NM readers who recently refuse to salue or address me by rank (earned in many worthy battles)! It was puzzling until I realized NM readers withheld me my rank-title at nearly the same time of the recent re-commissioning to military sub-Lieutenant Duang Yubamrung (formerly Duangchalerm Yubamrong, the gunslinger son of PPP deputy leader and concurrently Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung). I geeet it!
17 nganadeeleg // Apr 24, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Jeru: After your decommissioning you could always apply for an appointment to the health ministry to supplement your income in these hard times - perhaps as an assistant to another of Chalerm’s offspring
Why does it not surprise me that no other NM readers show any interest in the rise of the Yubamrung boys.
How times have changed from the constant NM commentating under the junta to barely a mention here about Jakrapob, Chalerm, The Refrigerator & Samak’s exploits, the culture ministry’s latest efforts, the removal of the police chief, military reshuffles, or even Thaksin’s 99 temple ‘merit making’ tour.
Can we take the lack of commentary as agreement & general satisfaction with the current governments actions?
18 Teth // Apr 24, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Colonel, the dictionary definition of futility is: “incapable of producing any useful result; pointless”. No such finality, but surely you see its pointlessness now.
Yes, yes, I shall apologize to you, Colonel, for libelously referring to you as a Colonel, first and foremost. Then, I apologize for even daring to suggest that you were somehow corrupt in that fictional post. Are we all good now?
19 Teth // Apr 24, 2008 at 8:55 pm
How times have changed from the constant NM commentating under the junta to barely a mention here about Jakrapob, Chalerm, The Refrigerator & Samak’s exploits, the culture ministry’s latest efforts, the removal of the police chief, military reshuffles, or even Thaksin’s 99 temple ‘merit making’ tour.
What’s wrong with Thaksin’s 99 temple merit making tour? Nor are Samak’s exploits worthy of attention. He’s made a few incendiary remarks, but nothing particularly harmful as when he did 6 October denial and was roundly condemned. What has Jakrapob done besides setting up his TV station? He hasn’t interfered with TPBS has he? Oh, his speech at the FCCT. What’s wrong with free speech again?
Let me make comparisons: the Fridge is being put through the ropes by due process, so what’s there to comment about? Samak is going along as he is supposed to do. Nothing so comment worthy. Chalerm is still being the old-style politician, re-instating his son, Thai-style. Was there a lot of comment here about typical Thai-style promotions? No, NM didn’t really discuss Saphrang and his cronies either.
So what is it that NM has blogged about? The junta’s constitution drafting, yes. Compare that to PPP’s constitutional amendments. Guess whose is constitutional?
So besides the clear cronyism of Chalerm, Thai politics has returned to its usual, nominally elected nature. Its good NM isn’t bothering with the day to day dirt of it; hopefully they will focus on the bigger picture, like long term political development. The electorate also seems to be content with focusing on the bigger picture of feeding their families and moving ahead, rather than endlessly (and dare I say pointlessly) pointing out Samak & Co.’s obvious flaws. At the very least they are not incompetently mismanaging the economy, the Yoobamrung boys are staying out of trouble, and ministers are actually being prosecuted.
Oh, and if you were looking for some condemnation, Chalerm is a filthy pig who has no place in this country. But we all knew that. So why bother repeating the obvious fact that this cabinet is bad except for that fact that people elected them.
20 colonel jeru // Apr 25, 2008 at 12:33 am
Teth said “. . . . So why bother repeating the obvious fact that this cabinet is bad except for that fact that people elected them.?”
Why bother reminding the world that “Thaksin was mega-corrupt, dangerously divisive, spiritually undemocratic BUT was elected (should we mention massive vote buying gentlemen)??” Because the machinations of PPP and the loquacious Samak to rewrite the Thai constitution is SPECIFICALLY for one and for one purpose only: to quash all pending legal and tax cases against Thaksin and the Shinawatra family to pave for the IMMEDIATE return to the premiership of Thaksin!
NM can forgive Samak, Yuth and even Chalerm and the Yubamrung sons (for murder of a police officer and the blatant manipulation of Thai justice) and of course Beloved Leader Thaksin. . . these people (or their parents) were all democratically elected for chrisssakes . . . right Teth?
21 colonel jeru // Apr 25, 2008 at 12:40 am
More . . to Teth who said ” . . . Samak is going along as he is supposed to do. Nothing so comment worthy. Chalerm is still being the old-style politician, re-instating his son, Thai-style. Was there a lot of comment here about typical Thai-style promotions?”
The thing Teth is the things you easily accept as being “old-style politics and Thai-style” are the exactly the same things that trigger the “old-Thai-style military coup”.
It is people like you Teth . . and Bangkok Pundit who so readily embrace “old-style Thai politics” as normal and ho-hum SO LONG AS THEY ARE ELECTED that give the Thai generals the excuse to be “outraged” and do one more coup . . . and one more.
22 Teth // Apr 25, 2008 at 4:19 am
Why bother reminding the world that “Thaksin was mega-corrupt, dangerously divisive, spiritually undemocratic BUT was elected (should we mention massive vote buying gentlemen)??”
Can you substantiate the vote-buying with witnesses who will say so under oath, or photographs and documents or tape recordings? I’m surprised that not even one shred of hard evidence exists to back up the claims of “massive” vote buying. So far even Yongyuth has only been accused of messing around with village chiefs and not the villagers themselves. Surely “massive” vote buying must leave equally “massive” traces. Thaksin bought the hearts and minds of rural folk with his policies more than any occasional 500 baht could, I would argue.
In any case, my point remains, Colonel, what is the point of repeating such allegations if you refuse to add anything new (or provide evidence besides on the vine chatter) each time you say it? It is futile.
Don’t be mistaken in thinking that my dismissals of your affinity for repetition means I condone vote buying. Rather, take a step back and look at the big picture. What should we do about it? If you’ve done nothing, or have concluded that nothing much can be done, is not the lesser of two evils a better choice? In this case, the lesser of two evils is a less incompetent government versus a more incompetent government. It is clear both are corrupt.
Because the machinations of PPP and the loquacious Samak to rewrite the Thai constitution is SPECIFICALLY for one and for one purpose only: to quash all pending legal and tax cases against Thaksin and the Shinawatra family to pave for the IMMEDIATE return to the premiership of Thaksin!
Can you read their minds? I have a feeling you have misread many minds and intentions before, what with originally supporting the coup and all.
But hey, are they not amending the constitution constitutionally? At the moment you can only play up their intentions and the fear that somehow the constitutional amendments will wreck havoc upon the country. The only havoc that will be wrought will be wrought by the protesting Alliances who continue to engage in a predictable and futile fight. Clearly Thaksin has the upper hand while the Alliances have no clue. Do they honestly believe Thaksin or Samak will suddenly listen to them?
If they are honestly worried for the country, they should participate in electoral democracy instead of fighting a rematch and learning nothing from the past. Make a positive contribution, for once.
NM can forgive Samak, Yuth and even Chalerm and the Yubamrung sons (for murder of a police officer and the blatant manipulation of Thai justice) and of course Beloved Leader Thaksin. . . these people (or their parents) were all democratically elected for chrisssakes . . . right Teth?
They were never forgive nor are their crimes forgotten, Jeru. They are merely tolerated for the reasons I have explained already.
There is no need to paint me as a defender of criminals as I have been clear I have no regards for turning into a repetitive and disruptive cabal of protesters.
Here’s a different tack for the Alliances to use that 5-minutes’ brain storming has produced. Why don’t they picket Independent Agencies to demand action? Why don’t they take their allegations to court? Why don’t they use Sondhi’s press empire to demand transparency and the attitudinal changes Andrew Walker has brilliant pointed out that we need? Instead, they are picketing PPP/TRT, who they have once picketed before without success. Did Thaksin resign? Are the PPP/TRT out of power?
Instead of showing contempt on the electorate, why don’t they instead show support towards Independent Agencies and do something positive by trying a different tack. Surely campaigning and putting pressure on constitutional checks and balances and encouraging them to function properly has more hope than pressuring Thaksin to resign even though he is overwhelming popular with the electorate.
23 nganadeeleg // Apr 25, 2008 at 10:26 am
What’s wrong with Thaksin’s 99 temple merit making tour?
Handley wrote a book on that sort of stuff, and the last time I looked it had attracted the most commentary here at NM.
Not interesting anymore?
24 Teth // Apr 25, 2008 at 8:24 pm
No such commentary from me.
Plus, Thaksin’s not exactly getting coverage in the 8 o’clock news is he? Nor are these state ceremonies.
25 Sidh S. // Apr 26, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I partially agree with Teth and TRT and its proxy PPP are more ‘competent’ governments compared to PMSurayud’s ‘junta’ government - especially economically. However, on the ‘rule of law’ and ‘human rights’ issue, PMThaksin’s government was incompetent to say the least. No, I don’t have evidence to support that statement but a synthesis of events from various medias (as with corruption and vote buying). We have the courts to sort the incriminating from the hearsay - and I hope they carry out their job imparitally.
For me, the main ‘evidences’ for my statement were PMThaksin’s ‘War on Drugs’ and sanctioning of state violence in the South. To doubters of the events, maybe the media has exaggerated numbers slain, maybe they were no ‘death squads’ and police kidnappings. In the present context, I concede that we will never know (as with vote buying and corruption). But being in Australia, I have had the opportunity to see quality investigative journalism into both the ‘War on Drugs’ and the Southern violence via SBS. Recently I was one of the lucky few to get to see the documentary on the Thai South “Citizen Juling” by Ing K, Ajarn Kraisak Choonhavan and Ajarn Manit Sriwanichpoom. It is probably one of the most revealing, yet highly depressing documentary I’ve seen and is highly recommended - at least for Thais and Thai voters. I hear KhunIng K wants to air it on the new public TV and wish her the best of luck.
What does this have to do with the ‘big picture’? We all (at least in NM) have an ideal picture of Thai democracy. Many here envision a ‘republic’, others a ‘constitutional monarchy’ resembling the British or Japanese system. I am seeing ‘chicken and egg’ issues in a very messy process of being sorted out in the practice of Thai democracy. One of the most fundamental being the ‘checks and balances’ between the executive, legislative and judiciary branches of government.
I totally agree that the electorate (including myself) desire effective economic managers - but what about the ‘rule of law’, ‘human rights’ and ‘corruption’? How can we end this vicious cycle of the disregard (’futility’ according to Teth) that both political and military elites show for the highest rules of the land?
With Yuth ‘The Fridge’ case, it is almost like PMThaksin’s 2001 asset concealment case all over again. I agree that the 2007 Constitution is overly harsh - but the rules were clearly established before the December election. Will Thai democracy mature by going through another cycle of ‘honest mistake’ a light slap on the wrist - when, as with the asset concealment, the evidences are clear? Is it better to ‘compromise’ and ban Yuth ‘The Fridge’ for 10 years and let PPP govern on instead of following the law to the letter?
Personally, I prefer that the law is respected and PPP gets dissolved as this will set a new precedent. There’s already talk about a new party called “Thaksin Party” (according to Thairath’s political news column) to replace PPP anyway - and I am certain political parties will not be weakened and will eventually adapt (e.g. a much smaller executive committee)… The 2007 constitution certainly needs amendment but it must be a much more democratic and inclusive process as KhunChaturon Chaiseang suggested…
As I have also said before, PMThaksin’s pockets are extremely deep and he will still cast a very long shadow over Thai politics for another decade at least - whether behind the scenes (as he is doing now to PMSamak’s chagrin) or maybe even becoming PM again. I agree with Nganadeeleg and his movements are still very significant, whether making merit around the country or welcoming Laskmi Mittal (one of the top five richest person) to invest in Thailand. Contrary to what many in NM see as a struggle between ‘Thaksin Loyalist’ Vs ‘Royalist’. That is quite mythical in proportions and recent and current political events simply suggest PMThaksin trying to regain power and money… The military, royalty, Democrats, PAD aren’t really his match, it is the increasingly independent judiciary branch. PMThaksin will not go through these lengths of changing the constitution to suit his interests if there’s no incriminating evidences…
26 Sidh S. // Apr 28, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Just a reminder to NM that today is the 4th anniversary of Krue Se massacre. I would have forgotten myself if not for Bangkok Post’s article:
http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/28Apr2008_news03.php
Just as Teth has said, there are no ‘incriminating evidences’ here leading straight up to PMThaksin (or the security commanders for that matter - PMSurayud’s fact finding committee seemed to have been neutralized). I only remembered the news reporting him saying along the line of “I will be responsible” and/or “I gave the orders”. I am sure PMThaksin will be quite vague on details if one questions him today… (hence, the most I can accuse PMThaksin and TRT of, lacking solid evidences, is that they “sanctioned” state violence against the Thai citizen)
Anyway, ‘human rights’, ‘rule of law’, ‘corruption’ seem to merit little discussion and interests in NM as is the usual. It is obviously not as sexy and exotic as Lese Majeste law - but I will argue anytime that there are issues far more significant for the ‘big picture’ and the future of Thailand’s democracy… (for goodness sake, PPP is trying to dismantle independent bodies such as the Election Commission and the Counter Corruption Commission, huge milestone achievements in Thai democracy - while the brightest minds in NM are debating LM and a man refusing to stand up for the national anthem in a movie theatre!!! Talk about extreme fetish!!!)…
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