Ways to put things right
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I have been considering whether or not I was too harsh on Yingluck and I came to the following conclusion. First, my criticism of her was meant also for all of her predecessors for about the last five decades.
The reason I took it out on her is because she is the only one that had neither the credentials or experience for office other than who she was related to.
I am willing to recant and apologise, should the following occur:
The reallocation of the Bt2 trillion loan. The funds to be directed toward building a canal from just north of Kabin Buri to the sea, to handle runoff at the end of every rain season.
The railway system to be upgraded and expanded so it becomes possible to go from Nong Khai or Ubon to Chang Mai without having to go to Bangkok first.
The widening of all highways, nationally. This should cut down the carnage on the roads.
The loan administered in such a way that the newspapers receive periodic reports of the dispersal of the moneys.
If I see that, I might be convinced not only to apologise, but to declare Yingluck the best PM in Thai history.
Further, if she were to use only Thai contractors and local labour wherever the projects were underway, she would be encouraging Thais to again work for their livelihood as opposed to waiting for more handouts and entertainment like the Roman mob of antiquity. Hopefully this would give them a sense of pride, not only for what they have accomplished, but for their own ability to support themselves.
It seems to me that these would be moves more beneficial to Thailand than a high-speed train with the contracts going to foreign contractors. And we all know what that is all about.
What is happening in Thailand is a major power struggle for the right to feed at the trough, not serve the Thai people. None of them deserve an apology or respect. Least of all one who didn’t even have the credentials to be in office. As for my credentials as a foreigner, I have dumped over Bt15 million into this country over the past 15 years and I believe that gives me the right to criticise those who would bankrupt the country again.
John Arnone
Bangkok
