Democrats' behaviour is unacceptable

Following House Speaker Somsak’s decision to call for a vote on the reconciliation bills as a priority, Democrat MPs surrounded and verbally intimidated him. One demanded that Somsak be removed from his duty and physically pulled him from his seat. This prompted Pheu Thai MPs and the police to intervene and defend Somsak. Later on, two female Democrat MPs took away the speaker’s chair, prompting Pheu Thai MPs to intervene. Some reported that this had caused one Pheu Thai MP to be slapped in the face by a Democrat MP.

So this is how a small group of overseas-educated MPs from privileged backgrounds behave when things don’t go their way – by bullying and intimidating those who oppose them?

As an aside, I was recently in Singapore representing Thailand in an international speaking contest. The top three winners were all Singaporeans. Did I question the bias of the judges, who were mostly Singaporeans? Yes. But unlike the Democrats I didn’t approach the judges, complain, nor intimidate them. Instead, I bit my tongue, swallowed my pride, and accepted the decision despite the immense effort and time I had put in.

The Democrats’ behaviour revealed their desperation. Since they advocate democratic processes, they ought to accept their defeat at last year’s general election. Due to the majority of Pheu Thai MPs in Parliament, the reconciliation bill is likely to go through. This will nullify all parties’ actions since the 2006 coup, paving the way for Thaksin’s return, coupled with that of his frozen assets. Whether Thaksin is in Thailand is in effect irrelevant. He controls Pheu Thai. Yet somehow the Democrats will go to any length to stop Thaksin from returning. Why are they so afraid of and fixated on Thaksin? Thaksin’s absence or presence would not have changed the outcome of the last election.

I am disappointed at the Democrats’ unruly behaviour. If they really are what they claim to be – champions of democracy – they should accept whatever results await them, and concentrate on winning Thai hearts and minds at the next general election.

Edward Kitlertsirivatana

Bangkok