Where's the dignity in handouts?
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I have been reading almost every comment by Somsak Pola, especially his counter-arguments to his opponents' views with regards to Thaksin Shinawatra's character.
Somsak’s many references cited to support his comments are very logical if read casually. However, someone with a neutral mind and who knows the situation in Thai political evolution since Thaksin came to power would give his comments a cold shrug.
His only comment I see as being true is that the coup led by General Sonthi deposed an elected government. Whether that elected government had been behaving in a truly democratic way is debatable, depending on what the population expects of such an elected government. I can imagine that Thaksin’s method of securing and maintaining votes and of governing the country may not work with much success in a developed nation with a mature electorate. As long as the majority of Thai voters keep excusing themselves as underprivileged and, accordingly, accept free handouts without much dignity, Thailand will continue as it is today.
The Insider
Bangkok
