Transparent Thai politics an impossible dream

My answer to this headline is an emphatic “yes”. The reason is our society’s obsession with money and power, without which you simply do not count. Ethics and a sense of fair play are unimportant in a culture where only money and power talk. Suthep’s call for a “people’s council” is somewhat scary, but he has a point that this society needs shock treatment. 

Though he will not succeed with all his aims, at least he has shocked Thaksin Shinawatra’s proxy into shedding tears (possibly crocodile tears) and talking of exile for the whole family. But when we observe members of fringe parties hungry to switch allegiances to the party in power, we quickly realise the editor’s desire is of an impossible order. It was even worse seeing those fringe parties (some meant to be in opposition) voting for the government’s infamous amnesty bill at 4.25am on November 1, in the hope of crumbs from the “first family” afterwards. Some had a reputation for high principles, but let us down badly.

Thailand will never become free of graft while the 310 MPs and House Speakers who voted for that resolution remain unpunished. They deserve to be barred from politics for life. And if you think this is wishful thinking, then so is your headline.

Songdej Praditsmanont

Bangkok