April 24, 2010

True Voice of Isan People


Two preconceived notions about people from the northeast region of Thailand have been challenged by a recent poll.
First, they are percieved to be major supporters of the Pheu Thai Party and its MPs which has former PM and convict on the run Thaksin Shinawatra as defacto leader. Second, they are viewed collectively as the majority of supporters of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD), or the red shirts. A survey by Khon Kaen university, however, suggests these notions are maybe nothing but assumptions.

Conducted by Khon Kaen university, the 'Isan poll' which was published on April 19 revealed 51.1 percent of the survey participants s support the call for House dissolution, as demanded by the DAAD, while the rest is against it. The gap in the number of Isan people who are in favor of the House dissolution ultimatum and the number of those who are against it is very narrow. The gap is said to be almost statistically insignificance. The result of this poll can be considered a true voice since it comes from Isan people who have spoken for themselves.

Reasons the survey respondents gave to either back up their approval or support their disapproval to DAAD demand are noteworthy. Reasons for those who are for House dissolution mostly stem from the feeling that the government has been ineffective in performing its duties and a belief that House dissolution will bring about peace. Some participants just simple disliked the the current administration, while some are confident a new round of fresh elections will restore peace to the Kingdom. A number of the Isan people who participated in the survey also believe the House dissolution will bring back 'true' democracy to the people.

On the other hand, those who are against the call for House dissolution said it will disrupt Thailand's economic recovery while some said before House could be disbanded the root cause of the current political impasse should be addressed first.

The keyword here is true democracy. Two former prime ministers; Somchai Wongsawat and Chavalit Yongchaiyudh insisted no real solution can be reached without true democracy. They said the political deadlock has stemmed from the absence of true democracy and justice.

However, they didn't make it explicit and explained what is un-democratic about the democracy we currently have. They also failed to elaborate on what sorts of injustice are the problem. More importantly, they have to ask themselves what or if have they
done anything while they were in power to restore 'true democracy' and address the 'injustice' they cried foul over?

It seems the definition of democracy, as implied by the speeches made on DAAD stages, revolve around bringing back the 1997 Constitution and reinstating former PM Thaksin into power.

According to the international standards, the current administration should be considered as a democratic government because Abhisit Vejjajiva is a member of Parliament who won more than half of the votes from his fellow MPs.

Moreover, the current Constitution guarantees the rights and freedom of the people. However, given the ineffectiveness in enforcing the law and the existence of extra-parliamentary influences, the Thai society is a democratic society, albeit not a fully developed one.

Democracy we have now is far from perfect but it is a far cry from the period when we had PM who was more of a soldier than a premier while MPs sat idle on their back benches . House dissolution will not rid the Thai society of extra-parliamentary influences. Strong civil sector will.

By: TAN network

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