This article struck me as interesting. It basically warns that what undermines Thai democracy is not corruption or the military, but the elite group which surrounds the monarchy. The article, by Chang Noi, avoids direct criticism by mainly appearing to comment on another article.

Article - The Nation

quote:

Originally posted by IanB:
It basically warns that what undermines Thai democracy is not corruption or the military, but the elite group which surrounds the monarchy.

Sorry to go back over old ground IanB, but I remember a few times you criticising Taksin while I half-heartedly defended him. What I can't remember (and this is 100% honest) was your attitude towards the coup.

For myself, I felt the coup to be wrong from the start: you don't defend democracy by abolishing it!

Could you remind me, before I read the article, what you said about the coup at the time? This would save me a lot of trawling through the archives.

This might sound like I have secret point to make, I haven't! I just wonder what you, as the opening poster, think about the military government and if you welcomed its arrival.

Are you one of those that welcomed the overthrow of a democratically elected government by the military and are now regretting your previous foolishness?

quote:

Are you one of those that welcomed the overthrow of a democratically elected government by the military and are now regretting your previous foolishness?

Just to point out that these two statements do not necessarily go together...

Even to ask that question shows how little you really know about me - yet that never seems to stop you throwing in your two penny worth! How about these quotes from me? Am I in the clear now? Unlike you, I support democracy, and neither Thaksin nor the coup leaders count!

Referring to the king:

quote:

As stated, he has not intervened, but it would appear the regime has his tacit approval. This cannot possibly be a positive thing. If he approves, then he is approving the removal of democracy and the imposition of an anti democratic dictatorship. He has no right to approve a military government, nor to approve or disaprove of a democratically elected government. Those rights only exist for the Thai people.

or

Referring to a statement by Prem:

quote:

Even in a country with as horrible a government as Thailand, such a statement is pretty sickening. With all due respect to the King, unless he makes a clear statement backing democracy and supporting the idea of elected government, Thailand will be back in the middle ages again soon, with the military and the elite choosing who is in power.

Or, right back in November 2005, commenting on rumours of a coup:

quote:

Dark days in Thailand, I'm afraid, as Thaksin speeds up his inevitable transformation into a full blown dictator.

Ian

Blimey, I only asked a question!

quote:

Originally posted by IanB:
Even to ask that question shows how little you really know about me

What, am I not allowed to ask questions? Am I not allowed to ask you what you think about the subjects you raise in your posts? Am I supposed to know you enough to guess at your responses? Of course I don't know you well enough, that's why I'm asking. Obviously.

Look again, it was a genuine question. Before I responded I wanted to know what you think about the issue. Is that a crime? Sure I imagined that you had supported the coup (as you were so anti-Taksin) but look again - it was a genuine question.

quote:

Originally posted by IanB:
- yet that never seems to stop you throwing in your two penny worth!

Is that not permitted either? Am I not allowed to have opinions, not allowed to sully your threads with them? perhaps all I'm allowed to do is sit here and passively receive the cut-and-paste articles that you deem fit worthy for consumption.

quote:

Originally posted by IanB:
How about these quotes from me? Am I in the clear now?

When weren't you in the clear? I'll repeat myself: it was a question. I didn't wish to put words in your mouth when responding to your opening post, so I asked an honest-to-goodness question!

quote:

Originally posted by IanB:
Unlike you, I support democracy

Now who is making accusations? Now who is putting words into other people's mouths. I'd be very interested to hear why you think I don't support democracy. In fact, I'd feel quite insulted if you've just made that accusation without any evidence at all.