limbo Posted August 12, 2008 Report Share Posted August 12, 2008 Is our country run by a bunch of outlaws? By Sopon Onkgara Tha Nation Published on August 12, 2008 THE quality of our public office holders, political and civilian, has plummeted to a new low. There is a general perception that our country is being run by a team of outlaws in a hurry to enrich themselves with taxpayers' money. These desperados are meaner than the meanest we have seen in recent years. This time around, they simply show no respect for the law of the land, starting with the Constitution. They will not give a second thought to breaking the law to further their self-serving interests. Not only that, their track records are tainted, their performance in office is sloppy and inept, their level of morality is despicably disdainful. On second thoughts, what can we expect from these desperados who want to sell the country to foreign investors? We used to talk and hear about traitors in no certain terms. We even doubted whether there were such individuals, especially those elected by the people, who would have the nerve to betray the public trust and their motherland for money. Not any more. There are more than just a few corrupt people - in the government, the civil service and in the private sector - who form an axis of evil perpetuating the vicious circle that plagues our gutter politics. They are shameless, immoral and treacherous. In the past, self-serving politicians and civil servants were corrupt, but at least they did not want to be perceived as traitors, opening doors for foreign counterparts, who are their equal, and their dubious ventures. Right now, betrayal of the public trust has become all too common. Just a few days after taking a ministerial position, a businessman-turned-politician declared that he wanted to amend relevant laws to allow foreigners to own land as a means to stimulate foreign investment. We have a minister determined to appoint ex-civil servants who are tainted by alleged criminal wrongdoing and awaiting trial to key positions in charge of monetary and financial matters. This shows complete disregard for negative public opinion and criticism. We live in an era when law-breakers and corrupt politicians gang up with their cronies in the civil service to control the mechanisms of the country's monetary and financial policies. They show no qualms about trying to use the national reserves to enhance their selfish interests. Newly appointed Cabinet members and academics-turned-politicians are openly arrogant with their power, declaring that they are unhappy with the performance of the Bank of Thailand. What happened to the merit system of suitable individuals being appointed to Cabinet seats? The desperados are confident that they can get away with their acts of betrayal and their pursuit of personal gains. The era of the robber barons pales in comparison when we have politicians with crooked and thug-like reputations controlling the destiny of our country. We have a new generation of thieves in business suits. Their outward appearance and mannerisms disguise their true nature and their malicious intent to do harm to the public interest. Unmistakably, their greed will become self-incriminating. How does Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej feel about public criticism towards his Cabinet members, even after the reshuffle? No need to ask, because the line-up must have been part of his decision and grand design. One thing for sure: he does not care about public criticism. With such indifference, we can expect more law-breaking through direct actions and policies, especially over decisions to approve projects with huge budgets. The corrupt become bolder and more audacious even amid conflicts among rival factions. Oh yes, they are in a hurry to build up their war chests. What choice does the public have in preventing the country from sliding further down this treacherous path and its unpredictable end? Soiled hands are within reach of the national reserves and there is vast interest in the money and financial markets. Who can deal with the desperados and the thieves? Our judicial process and legal mechanisms are the only chances, provided they are not interfered with and abused by crooks in high public office through political influence. The system must be protected to ensure full freedom and independence. Here, the armed forces can prevent possible harm by supporting the rule of law and at the same time assuring the public that they are not subject to the influence of immoral and self-serving politicians. There was a slogan - "We protect those who protect us" - used by the men in green uniforms. Maybe it's the right time for the Thai public to extend full support to the armed forces - if they carry out their protective duty for our due process of law. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavanami Posted August 12, 2008 Report Share Posted August 12, 2008 Errrrr, what country isn't run by a bunch of outlaws? Can't think of too many Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bangkoktraveler Posted August 12, 2008 Report Share Posted August 12, 2008 Errrrr, what country isn't run by a bunch of outlaws? Can't think of too many I thought they all were. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khunsanuk Posted August 12, 2008 Report Share Posted August 12, 2008 Hi, Some good points, but also a very nasty undertone of nationalism. Sanuk! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samak Posted August 12, 2008 Report Share Posted August 12, 2008 yep, he started fine, but in the end he is even asking the army to stage another coup d'etat!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted August 12, 2008 Report Share Posted August 12, 2008 << Here, the armed forces can prevent possible harm by supporting the rule of law and at the same time assuring the public that they are not subject to the influence of immoral and self-serving politicians. There was a slogan - "We protect those who protect us" - used by the men in green uniforms. Maybe it's the right time for the Thai public to extend full support to the armed forces - if they carry out their protective duty for our due process of law. >> Sounds like a call for a coup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faustian Posted August 12, 2008 Report Share Posted August 12, 2008 All good except for the anti-foreign investment bullshit. Why is it the Thais are so nationalistic/xenophobic. I used to talk to some Thais about how they can do things in england (like own land) that I can't do in Thailand...they seemed to find it mildly amusing. Anyway, the piece is right on many things about crooks running the country. Has been this way for a long time I'd wager. I guess the penny has dropped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samak Posted August 12, 2008 Report Share Posted August 12, 2008 All good except for the anti-foreign investment bullshit. so you also support a new coup d'etat, what the author is calling for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faustian Posted August 12, 2008 Report Share Posted August 12, 2008 I think there needs to be a dramatic change. Democracy wont supply it...change is painful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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