Let’s count the benefits of the referendum ‘yes’
Re: “Let’s end the vicious cycle of violence”, Editorial, August 8.
I am more optimistic than your editor on the plebiscite result. I believe the result of the August 7 referendum can be hailed as the harbinger of a new style of guided democracy for Thailand’s political system.
On this basis, strong arms of the law should play a bigger part than when we thought we had full democracy. No foreign news media or agencies have viewed the referendum as a complete sham. The respectability of this regime has grown to the point where Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha may now appear equal to other participants in future international meetings.
On the coming political scene, I expect the following:
First, the personnel in the intelligence divisions of those embassies warning their compatriots to avoid Thailand on August 7 are likely to be told off or sent back home for being so far off the mark. The day was substantially peaceful and brought a good omen – Thailand’s first gold medal at the Rio Olympics was won that morning.
Second, it is not enough for Khun Abhisit Vejjajiva to humbly announce his acceptance of the “yes” vote considering his words last week that the charter was not democratic and unacceptable to him. He should resign as leader of his party, following the example of Britain’s David Cameron when voters rejected his urgings to remain in the European Union.
It is worse for Khun Abhisit because almost all the strongholds of his party in the South overwhelmingly approved the charter. The national average was 61 per cent approval, while his southern stronghold tallied 77 per cent. That indicates that southern voters ignored the words of the Democrat Party leader and his mentor, Khun Chuan Leekpai. It took David Cameron 24 hours after voters chose the Brexit to resign as leader of the Conservative Party.
Third, the legitimacy of this junta will now become more difficult for its opponents and foreign press to ridicule. The prospect of smooth transition now appears to be realistic, with less annoyance from foreign commentators.
Fourth, a certain politically influential family might now slowly fade away with the coming of numerous judgements on its past deeds. The clan will recognise for the first time that silence is golden.
Songdej Praditsmanont
