Tripping the Light Thai Spastic

Politics in Thailand are somewhat amusing. In Thailand they have the Westminster Parliamentary system (England) rather than the U.S. bicameral republic system. It's one of those weird things where every time they have a national election, they form a whole new government... not just put the new guy in/kick the old guy out... Nope. They actually form a WHOLE... NEW... GOVERNMENT.

From my understanding, historically that means also writing a new Constitution as well. I think Thailand stopped doing that in 1994, but it's part of the Westminster system in general.

Anyway, in case those of you haven't heard, 5 years ago they elected the richest man in Thailand. Apparently they thought the fact that he was a self-made millionaire meant he knew what he was doing. He won by a landslide, and his party won so many seats in parliament, the opposition parties can never get enough votes to censure or impeach any member of his government. Sort of like a "make your own dictator" kit. Just add water, and voila! Instant despot!

Then last year, there was another national election. He won again (it's called buying votes) by promising some very bizarre things, like a cow for every farmer, and other weirdness. Ah, if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. But this time (2004) they lost some seats in parliament. Then they had a mid-year by-election last month, and the much vaunted TRT party's wall began to crumble. The opposition won enough seats to be able to censure and impeach.

The Thai people seem to be finally be realizing a cult of one doesn't include the unwashed masses. He doesn't give a shit about them, most of his plans don't work, he only fights government corruption when it's the opposition being corrupt, and acts like an adolescent when criticized by lashing out and making threats at the critics, and kicking out and blacklisting foreign journalists.

Here's a tidbit of info for you: When the Prime Minister was first elected in 2000 he was the richest Thai in Thailand, followed by a list of various and sundry other Thai notables. Now, 5 years into his reign of petulance, He's the richest, his wife in #2, his son is #3, his daughter is #4, etc. etc. etc.

Anyway, what makes me bring this up you ask? An article from the Bangkok Post regarding the recent by-election. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, after two TRT candidates were defeated made the following statement, "As a straightforward man, I won't beat about the bush. The provinces that trusted us must get priority to be taken care of." Hunh?

There was actually more to what he said, but that sums it up pretty well. The PM has just anounced he will discrimiate against the Thai population based on where they live, and what political party represents that area. Now, by pledging to give priority to provinces that favour his own party, the PM has shown that he is not a true believer in democracy. Amazing Thailand.

Well, that's just my two cents.