Democrats must take a look in the mirror

To his credit, I am sure Lung Kip did not make up the headline to his latest eloquent letter, in which he argues that Abhisit Vejajjiva’s essential decency and incorruptibility set him apart from most other politicians, and that it is these qualities in him which the red shirts most fear. Well, Abhisit does have a pleasant appearance and demeanour, and usually deals with criticism, even abuse, with commendable dignity and restraint, all traits he shares with the prime minister. However, like any human being, Abhisit has his failings, notably an occasional difficulty with the truth, as illustrated by his repeated denials and evasions regarding the matter of his British nationality, which he was eventually forced to admit.

If Abhisit is to ride to the rescue of the nation, he would do well to read an article in the current edition of The Economist, which highlights the Democrat Party’s lamentable performance at the ballot box historically, but which also offers some hope for the party’s future. He should also reflect upon his willingness to lead a government put together under not entirely transparent circumstances in 2008. I suspect that it was this decision, which effectively blocked the democratically expressed will of millions of voters, together with his role in the events of April and May 2010, that has really made Abhisit persona non grata, not only with red shirts, but presumably with the 16 million voters who gave Pheu Thai a parliamentary majority at the last election.

It seems to me that the Democrats under Abhisit do have a chance of regaining power one day, but only if they can shrug off a perceived air of superiority and learn how to communicate more effectively with voters, especially those outside their core support. And past experience has shown that by no means all Democrat politicians are as incorruptible as their leader supposedly is. What is Abhisit going to do about that?

Robin Grant

Bangkok