Corrupting Power
October 12, 2008, 15:12
It is a pity that things are turning out so badly in Thailand. What started out as a ragtag movement in Bangkok to fight against the seemingly authoritarian moves of former PM Thaksin has now developed into a force that advocates for a political system that favours the urban elite in Bangkok and deprives the rural masses from having a say in how the country is run. It was a good thing that HRH Princess Maha Chakri Srindhorn has openly criticised the protest movement as being anti-democratic and claimed that it was not fighting for the monarchy. Hopefully, this would undermine the legitimacy of the movement, although this is unlikely given the movement's visceral hatred for Thaksin and anyone associated with him as well as the fear that they (the urban elites) would lose power in the current system.
As they say, power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Thaksin's entry into power provided the rural masses with some hope of a future. His one million baht per village and other populist initiatives (such as health care subsidies) had perhaps threatened the power which the urban elite had for ages. As such, what we see now is a movement which is advocating for an undemocratic system of governance through undemocratic means in order to hold the majority of Thai people hostage. It would not be surprising that elections held today would return the PPP to power. People have benefited from Thaksin's policies and continue to hold him in respect. It is a pity though that power has blinded certain people from seeing the national interests of their country.
Visited the migrant centre today with F. Located in Serangoon Gardens, the centre operates a soup kitchen for migrant workers most of the week and provides classes where these workers could take up new skills to better themselves when they return home (computer/english/hairdressing/dressmaking). An inspirational quote from Virgil sums up the wonderful work which the migrant centre has done to better the lives of migrant workers and to make them feel welcome in our country: “Your profession is not what brings home your paycheck. Your profession is what you were put on earth to do. With such passion and such intensity that it becomes spiritual in calling.”
Next week promises to be hectic. A lot of work to do. But these are the things I am prob be doing this next weekend:
Sat: Watch A Capella Festival @ The Arts House
Sun: Watch Burn After Reading
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