Elitist Thais attack populist leader – sound familiar? 

Having just got around to reading Pornpimol Kanchanalak’s column, I am now once again marvelling at the outrage that has been expressed by so many about Donald Trump, a man who has not even taken office yet. I have never seen the like of it in my lifetime. The wealthy and the pseudo-intellectuals of the world have come out in force to predict disaster befalling everyone because the poor and middle classes of America elected a man who promised them some attention. I haven’t seen this phenomenon in the US before, though I have to admit that it does sound familiar elsewhere.
Khun Pornpimol knows nothing about the United States, yet she dares to attempt to discredit the desires of its citizens by quoting such outstanding sources as the Islamic State and parroting the usual claim of the pseudo-intellectuals – “he spreads discontent, hatred and racism”.
It seems to have become fashionable to interpret concern about unlimited illegal immigration and terrorists sneaking in among legal Muslim immigrants as inciting “discontent, hatred and racism”.
Khun Pornpimol, please be patient. I am certain that Trump, like all US presidents, will give you plenty of material to work with in the coming months. In the meantime I have a few suggestions. Gain a little knowledge of the problems of whatever country you pick before you choose to criticise its leader. And, for God’s sake, wait for them to get into office. And one last thing: try to find better sources than ISIS to back your argument.
John Arnone