A good leader listens to advice

Of King Chulalongkorn’s many contributions to the country, the most-noted ones were the abolition of bonded labour and slavery, reform of government administration and education, as well as his moves to modernise the nation by introducing public facilities. He was also noted for his many trips to Europe. 

Many LINE users shared messages of how King Rama V taught his children to be careful with money and make contributions to the country.

An article by Nation columnist Pornpimol Kanchanalak was also widely shared on Facebook. In her column on Thursday, she took the opportunity to write an open letter to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, in which she gave examples of what happened during King Chulalongkorn’s reign and how he had guided the country past internal and external turbulence. She noted that instead of giving handouts to people, the wise king gave his people dignity and pulled them out of slavery. He also began building a modern education system in response to calls for Western-style democracy. Pornpimol also pointed out that this great King had appointed and worked with advisers, adding that she hoped Prayut would learn from this and make changes to his administrative style.

“Freedom of expression – as long as it’s accompanied by responsibility, accountability and verity – will serve as your immunity booster. You will hear from honest naysayers and critics, not just yes-men,” Pornpimol wrote. 

Coincidentally, historian and thinker Sulak Sivaraksa has also published a new book, “Love Letters to Dictators”, which is currently being promoted at Book Expo 2014.

On Facebook, the renowned writer posted two excerpts from his book – both referring to lessons that can be learned from paying heed to advisers. In the first excerpt, Sulak relates the history of democracy, which dates back to Roman times. In the second excerpt, he talks about how former PM Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn’s refusal to listen to the warnings of Puay Ungphakorn had resulted in the PM’s tragic exile. He wraps up the post saying he hoped Prayut would be more willing to listen to others. 

Sulak also advised the premier to carefully consider every industrial project and the irreversible impact they may have on the environment. He also asked him to consider alternative economic development. 

Pornpimol and Sulak’s advice that the premier listen to others does not come out of thin air. 

Over the past week, the media has been buzzing about the little war of words Prayut had with veteran reporter Yuwadee Tunyasiri over how far the press was going with its questions. 

Yuwadee’s subsequent criticism of Prayut’s refusal to listen to others and advice on how leaders should deal with media was later posted on a website. Mainstream media began quoting her and a video clip began doing the rounds before it was eventually pulled off the Net. 

Later, Yuwadee said she had only said these things in a private chat with fellow reporters. 

On Facebook, political reporter Jeerapong Prasertpolkrung warned other social-media users to be careful about what they say because their comments may end up getting shared without their consent. 

Fellow journalist Sumeth Somkane pointed out that this would not have happened if the media was professional and responsible, while another reporter Attapol Lertlum said: “What has happened should prove to be a lesson for all – the government, the media, society, people and activists. We have a long, long way to go.”