Opposition needs to raise its game

Many critics of the current government seem unable to come to terms with the inconvenient fact that Thais voted for a party they do not like. To them it was a “demagogic” election, and to others a case of a gullible, under-educated, indeed “moronic” electorate seduced by promises of handouts. Such self-deluding arguments remind me of football managers who, when their teams are defeated, blame it on cheating by opponents or bad decisions by the referee, rather than admitting their teams just weren’t good enough.

I actually hope that the Democrat Party, or perhaps another political group, will one day really challenge Pheu Thai, and perhaps even win an election. That would be good for Thailand’s democratic development. However, if that is to happen, the opposition will really have to raise its game. Relentlessly negative tactics, frequent and frivolous appeals to the referee and temper tantrums resulting in red cards are not the way to win friends and influence people, and this of course is reflected in recent opinion polls.

Perhaps Abhisit should consult Sir Alex Ferguson on how to forge a winning team. Or perhaps not – that team wears red shirts!

Robin Grant

Bangkok