Thai democracy had faulty wiring

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2014
Thai democracy had faulty wiring

Re: "The lights are on and everyone's happy", Letters, September 2.

Somsak Pola is absolutely correct in saying the current government has no circuit breaker to check its power. It is sad to see Thailand caught in this same vicious cycle for more than 60 years. 
On the other hand, we have to admit that this unwanted yet inevitable cycle is with us because of the sickness afflicting our social norms, a sickness that elected politicians have helped spread. The majority of elected politicians, whether in government or opposition, have done nothing for the good of the country, but rather chosen to enrich themselves. How many elected politicians can claim tangible achievements? How many leave office with the same level of wealth as when they arrived? 
Our last elected government showed that, if an electrical circuit gets too strong, its power is irresistible, no matter how many circuit breakers are in place. Voters should also carry some of the blame. If they and the politicians fail in their role as checks to the power of government, they might as well live without a circuit breaker. If our democracy is mere form without practical substance, we might as well live under an alternative.
The Insider