FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Books accuse Thailand of being deadly, and democratically backward

Books accuse Thailand of being deadly, and democratically backward

It seems that in the Western world, one new book after another is criticising Thailand for being either "democratically backward" or a "deadly destination" for tourists.

The UK’s Telegraph last week reported that Thai police had banned the sale in Thailand of “A Kingdom in Crisis: Thailand’s Struggle for Democracy in the Twenty-First Century”.
On the same day, the newspaper reported on another book about to hit the shelves, “Thailand: Deadly Destination”.
This book shifts the world’s attention to crimes and accidents that have recently befallen foreign tourists. The author accuses the Thai police of playing a big part in making Thailand “one of the most dangerous tourist destinations on Earth”.
It is also noteworthy that, one after another, the websites reporting this news are being blocked – by the Thai police.
From top rice exporter to 30 years of debt
Touching upon another subject, Thailand has enjoyed its status as the world's top rice exporter for four decades thanks to its government's conservative and meticulous policy during that time.
Seven years ago, the Indian media made a hue and cry against their government for lagging far behind Thailand in terms of implementing long-term rice policy.
In 2007, Thailand had gained the No 1 spot not only in the volume of rice exports, but also in profit.
It was when Yingluck Shinawatra, under the directives of her brother Thaksin, became Thailand’s prime minister that the trouble began.
Now, the damage for the country alone is now more than US$16 billion, according to the Voice of America’s latest report.
Thailand’s status as the world’s top rice exporter is now being challenged, Thai taxpayers have to shoulder the magnificent debt for 30 years and corruption has plagued the country like a terminal cancer.
How incredible it is – that brilliance has turned into a stupid mistake in such a short time!
Vint Chavala
Bangkok
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