Some obvious clues for the prime minister

Yingluck said she took up the Defence portfolio to help her understand the armed forces’ needs, because for the past two years she’s been clueless about their priorities. So, in other words, if she’s clueless about a given matter, she takes charge of that ministry. That’s like my saying, “I’m clueless about how to fly a plane, so I’ll pilot an aircraft.” Since, as prime minister, she’s in charge of all ministries, that hardly bodes well for us, and perhaps explains fiascos like the rice scheme. 

But, let’s look at the bright side. If she’s a quick learner at Defence, she should know the Navy doesn’t need an anti-submarine aircraft carrier when there are no enemies in the region with subs, the Air Force doesn’t need an airship that won’t fly, and the Army doesn’t need GT2000 bomb detectors that have a 20 per cent chance of being right. Perhaps she’ll overhaul the purchase system so that it’s transparent and relevant to our defence. She might also learn that the military and police must come under the rule of law, and court martial those responsible for Krue Se, Tak Bai and Nong Chik.

Our prime minister might be clueless about where to lead us, but at least she’s honest enough to admit it.

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok