Former Democrat Leader: “I Would Give This Government 5 out of 10.”

Former Democrat leader Bhichai Rattakul. The caption reads: “Achievements after one year of Democrat rule. Many things should not have been done. A view from former party leader Bhichai Rattakul.”

On the 24th December episode of Intelligence (a news talk show on Voice TV, which is an internet and cable channel run by Thaksin’s children), former leader of the Democrat Party Bhichai Rattakul gave an interview in which he touched on a range of current political issues.

The 84-year-old, who led the Democrat Party from 1982 to 1991 and whose son Bhichit was Governor of Bangkok from 1996 – 2000, was remarkably forthright in his assessment of the performance of the current Democrat-led coalition government. It is also refreshing to see a Democrat politician expressing opinions that are markedly different from the government’s official stance. The full programme (in Thai language) can be watched here.

Click “read more” below to see my summary of the key points he made.

On reconciliation

- (In response to the notion that someone should come forward and act as a mediator between the two sides): Reconciliation cannot be achieved by one person. It has to be achieved by a group.

- Negotiation is impossible at present. Thaksin would not accept the conditions set by the government. Likewise, the government cannot accede to Thaksin’s demands.

- A committee consisting of representatives from both the government and from the Thaksin camp should be established, allowing both sides to put forward their ideas regarding a possible negotiation between the government and Thaksin. The committee has to be set up without any preconditions. For example, the government would have to drop its current demand that Thaksin be put in jail first before any negotiation can occur.

On the government’s performance

- It seems that only ‘a few people’ are doing the work of the government. This is despite the fact that there are so many knowledgeable and qualified members in the Democrat Party. The party has so much potential but does not know how to use it.

- This has led to serious consequences. The Thai-Cambodian tensions are one example. The government has so many foreign relations experts, including former diplomats like Nit Phibunsongkhram and Tej Bunnag, but the government has never consulted them.

- When asked whether the appointment of Thaksin as Cambodia’s economic advisor has contributed to the heightened tensions, Bhichai replied that it is not strange for a foreign government to appoint a Thai person as advisor. Cambodia’s premier Hun Sen is entitled to pick anyone as his advisor. If Thailand objects to this appointment, it could be seen as an interference in Cambodia’s internal affairs.

- But at the same time, Cambodia’s actions may be seen as an interference in Thailand’s affairs as well. The solution is to get both sides to sit down and talk. Again, negotiation should be carried out without any preconditions.

- Not only does the Democrat Party not know how to use  its people, but it also neglects to recognise  the value of its old stalwarts.

On Abhisit

- Abhisit is capable, morally good, and sufficiently mature. He is definitely not the ‘stubborn kid’ that the Thaksin camp has tried to paint him as.

- But Abhisit’s weaknesses are: not knowing how to use people, and not having enough advisors in areas that require specialist knowledge.

On the government’s performance (2)

- The government is seen as not having real power. It has failed to dispel the widespread notion that real power lies in the hands of someone behind/above the government.

- It is ok to follow Thaksin’s footsteps and carry out populist programmes, but this has to be done carefully. The government should avoid doing everything at once. Long-term commitment is needed.

- While Abhisit’s integrity is flawless, Bhichai would give this government as a whole only 5 out of 10.

- However, one area that particularly deserves praise is education policy. Bhichai praises the work of Democrat’s Education Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, rating him 7 out of 10.

On the Democrat Party’s possible dissolution

- It is impossible to predict the Electoral Commission’s decision. The EC is in a difficult position. If it acquits the Democrat Party, accusations of ‘double standard’ will surely be made against them.

- But if the DP is really dissolved, it will be very sad. The current generation of leaders should be ashamed for having failed to preserve the party.

- Nowadays, the new generation refuses to listen to the advice of the older generation.

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2. Petition to Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, Regarding the Violence in Thailand
3. Sukhumbhand to Step in Again?
4. When and When Not to Criticise the ‘Foreigners’
5. Snapshot: Abhisit’s Popularity