Democracy? Keep it simple and true
It seems that the Thai version of democracy is showing signs of a return. The bombs and bullets are starting to fly again, with the courts of justice under attack. According to speculative news reports, it would seem a further 100 attacks are planned.
At the same time, Abhisit Vejjajiva has declared the draft charter to be undemocratic. No surprise there: Having been educated in the UK, Abhisit is one person who does understand what constitutes democracy.
The US, on the other hand, would be pleased to see Thai democracy returned to a point before the most recent coup, of which it totally disapproves.
So where does all this leave us?
Surely, the answer remains the same: Emulate democracy. Keep it simple. Extrapolate the fundamental principles within which UK politics operates, embody them in a charter, and therein would be the basis of true democracy. Democracy, while far from perfect as a form of government, is long-established and does produce stability. Democracy establishes all major institutions as institutionally apolitical, thus avoiding coups d’etat and a partisan police force and judiciary. The law (rather than individuals) and its enforcement are the boss.
The alternative would be to stick with the current benign military dictatorship.
JC Wilcox
