Tanks over Thailand
Over the last couple days I've had many people ask what my thoughts are regarding the military coup in Thailand. So, because I lived casually in Bangkok for 8 weeks, I feel that I am qualified to give my opinion as to the happenings over there...
First off, the coup is not a bad thing. I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say it's a good thing, but something had to be done. Taksin (Thai Prime Minister) had lost the faith and confidence of a singificant number of people in Thailand, Bangkok especially. He has kept a good repoire with the rural poor by the aid programs he has instituted (and thereby creating a significant social welfare system), but his time in office has been marred by scandal (selling his business for 2 billion to a foreign company, paying no taxes, and potentially including in the deal the sale of Thai satellites...).
Second, I am not overly concerned about the state of the country. People have asked "aren't you glad you are out of thailand right now," and my response has to be that I wish I was there. The coup was 100% peaceful, and would be an amazing event in the world to witness first hand. In addition, my friends in Bangkok have reiterated my lack of concern. [That being said, I am not a fan on the outright ban on political party meetings or the ban on public meetings / demonstrations... Of anything coming from the events over the last week, those rules concern me the most].
Finally, I think the world leadership is absolutely correct in condemning the coup. While this coup may end up being a great thing for Thailand, this is not a model to be followed. I can only imagine the copycat groups around the world, over throwing governments in the name of their perverse view of democracy. Anarchy should never be emulated, and what people need to understand is that the vast majority Thais consider the King their true leader, and the PM is merely an individual that rules with the king's blessing. As long as the King is in place, Thailand will be relatively stable.
First off, the coup is not a bad thing. I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say it's a good thing, but something had to be done. Taksin (Thai Prime Minister) had lost the faith and confidence of a singificant number of people in Thailand, Bangkok especially. He has kept a good repoire with the rural poor by the aid programs he has instituted (and thereby creating a significant social welfare system), but his time in office has been marred by scandal (selling his business for 2 billion to a foreign company, paying no taxes, and potentially including in the deal the sale of Thai satellites...).
Second, I am not overly concerned about the state of the country. People have asked "aren't you glad you are out of thailand right now," and my response has to be that I wish I was there. The coup was 100% peaceful, and would be an amazing event in the world to witness first hand. In addition, my friends in Bangkok have reiterated my lack of concern. [That being said, I am not a fan on the outright ban on political party meetings or the ban on public meetings / demonstrations... Of anything coming from the events over the last week, those rules concern me the most].
Finally, I think the world leadership is absolutely correct in condemning the coup. While this coup may end up being a great thing for Thailand, this is not a model to be followed. I can only imagine the copycat groups around the world, over throwing governments in the name of their perverse view of democracy. Anarchy should never be emulated, and what people need to understand is that the vast majority Thais consider the King their true leader, and the PM is merely an individual that rules with the king's blessing. As long as the King is in place, Thailand will be relatively stable.
posted by Chadwick at 8:38 AM
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