The Nation’s interview with coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin gives the junta supremo a chance to air his thoughts on democracy. The General says:
The armed forces’ aim is to reform politics and introduce sustainable solutions. The administrative system should be rectified in line with true democratic rule. We want to place emphasis on having the King as Head of State.
People across the country, including those in rural areas, have thanked the armed forces for staging the coup. Many even told us we were late in intervening.
I understand the coup may have tainted the country’s image internationally. But I believe a little interruption is acceptable in order to enable everyone to move forward once again.
I can say that none of the military leaders want to run the government or get involved in politics. We want to return power to the people as quickly as possible. The transition of power will take place when the people are ready for it. The people should understand what happened and strive to prevent a repeat by introducing charter amendments and adjusting the administrative system.
He continues with the sermon (my emphasis added):
I suspect many Thais still lack a proper understanding of democracy. The people have to understand their rights and their duties. Some have yet to learn about discipline. I think it is important to educate the people about true democratic rule. It is a challenge to enable all 60 million Thais to gain an in-depth understanding of democracy and all its rights, duties and rules. Democracy will thrive once the people learn its true meaning.
Before the whiff of Sonthi’s “democratic reform” filled the air, there was a night, 21 August 2006, when Thai television ran continuous reports on fisticuffs between opponents and supporters of then Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra . For footage of the commotion, and the scuffles of that day, check out this 8 minute video. At the time, I posted my brief reaction to events on New Mandala and concluded by writing:
As the commentary in tonight’s TV coverage made clear, this has now become a fight over the “meaning” of that democracy. Everybody seems to have an opinion on its limits and its potential. I have yet to hear anybody define “democracy” as fisticuffs in a downtown shopping mall. Let’s all hope that today’s violence does not lead to further escalation.
In response to the fisticuffs of 21 August, General Sonthi also made a comment. He said:
There is a self-limitation in the democratic system. What should do or not depends on the consciousness. I don’t want to see the clashes between Thai people. I prefer seeing them love and unite with each other”
Any conversation about the “meaning” of democracy in Thailand has now, of course, become riddled by new definitions of governance and administration. Sonthi’s stated “self-limitation in the democratic system” has now been drawn out for public scrutiny. The footage of 21 August 2006 – with the cries of “Thaksin get out”, followed later by “we’re taking him to hospital” and “could everybody please go home” – now feels like it comes from a whole other time.
The conversation about democracy – now free of democratic debate and the campaign skirmishes of earlier in the year – has moved on. In the new order, General Sonthi’s contribution to our understanding of the “true meaning” of democracy has to be read closely. Its contradictions and simplifications are manifold, of course. The “self-limitation in the democratic system” that the General spoke of back in August got traction in September. In October there are no elections, just a lecture from the junta supremo.
New Mandala waits, with some anticipation, for the next chapter in the story that supposedly brings everybody closer to “a proper understanding of democracy”.
4 responses so far ↓
1 nganadeeleg // Oct 26, 2006 at 7:44 pm
All this talk about true democracy.
Maybe Sonthi will let us know what ‘true democracy’ is, and give a few examples of countries where it is practiced.
2 Wasan // Oct 26, 2006 at 11:58 pm
I see no point here, Nick. Taking account on this guy’s opinion, who gave a little smile and said ‘I spent only a couple of days in making decision to let the Coup, and his ‘knowlegde’ on ‘true democray’ is so naive and absurd. Besides, there is no ‘true democracy’
For some of u here who still have not come across the hot site please go to: http://www.sameskybooks.org/ and click on to the web-board, you will see the real democracy or at least the talks of what the Gen called ‘true democray’ in Thailand
3 Marutii // Oct 27, 2006 at 4:18 am
Gen. Sonthi goes to his usual barber for a haircut after the coup. While cutting the hair the barber asks: ‘General, when are you holding the next Thai election?”
Gen Sonthi: ‘We have promised the Thai people to hold elections in a year’s time”
After some more snips with his scissor the barber asks again: ‘General, when are you holding the next Thai election?”
Gen Sonthi: ” I told you before, we are committed to holding an election in year’s time but there may be a few months delay due to time required for writing the new Constitution”
Once again in a little while the barber asks ” But General do you have a date in mind for the next election?”
At this the General blows his top and pulls out his gun and shouts: “What’s wrong with you? Why are you going on and on about the election?”
The old barber wais low and his hands shaking says: “Don’t get upset Gen. Sonthi. I asked only because every time I said ‘election’ your hair stood up and made it easier for me to do my job”
4 vichai n. // Oct 28, 2006 at 12:59 am
Gentlemen surely you won’t begrudge a General for having his strong opinion about what Thai Democracy is. After all we just recently had a corrupt Police-Lieutenant Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra demonstrate to us what Thai Democracy should be NOT . . and that lesson continue to haunt us still.
Leave a Comment
Please note: New Mandala encourages vigorous debate. However, for the moment we will only be publishing high-quality comments that make original contributions to discussion. There will, of course, still be space for pithy, humorous, eccentric and cheeky input. Short and sweet will usually trump long and involved. Repetitive ranting, unimaginative point-scoring and idle abuse will not be entertained. Comments which carry a real name are also more likely to be approved. Thank you for your ongoing interest and contributions.