By: --
Date: 18th May 2007
This article writes about the deposed Thailand PM Thaksin, being banned by the military government to speak to the people through the radio. Thaksin wanted to use the radio network to urge a "swift return to democracy", in an attempt to stir the people and gain support. However, this was quickly put down by the military government.
Former PM Thaksin is a good example of the cruel, fast-paced world we live in, in which politicians are made especially accountable to their actions. The media is a powerful tool, and can be used to blow up small issues into huge crimes. Thaksin made a mistake by selling Shin Corp for a personal profit, and the military used this opportunity to justify their staging a coup to overthrow him. Effectively, they ended a prospering democracy. Thaksin was a man known to have done many things for his country, establishing numerous policies that tackled various aspects like health and education. Thaksin was known to be sympathetic with the poor rural people in Thailand, which consist of the majority of the population. His policies have tackled their problems and helped them in many ways, thus their support of him in elections, letting him become the first Prime Minister to complete his term in office.
His attempts to use the radio network to broadcast his message to return to democracy was stopped before it went too far, and pro-Thaksin supporters quickly arrested by the military. This brings into focus the power of the military government. Using Thaksin's "mistake" as justification to stage a coup, they have toppled the democracy of Thailand, and effectively abolished elections. Thaksin's calls are quickly put down, and the present Prime Minister made use of the media to put his views across about Thaksin's 'plans' to gain support. The cut off of opposition helps the military government brainwash the people, and think of Thaksin as bad. The present Prime Minister claims that Thaksin is attempting to gather support to make another stand in Thailand. Why, we ask? What would a multi-billionaire want to do with politics? I feel that he only has his countries best interest at heart, and wants to make moves to change it back into a democracy rather than a military led puppet government.
The power of the military government is exhibited, when they can control the news that reaches the people. This power is further enhanced by the people's loss of voting power. As Thaksin supported and helped the poor rural people in the past, they are the ones who root for him. Now, they have no power to decide their government, and that might be what caused Thaksin's fall.
We must learn not to be like Thailand, allowing a coup to occur successfully without much opposition; we cannot put too much power into the military. A military government limits one's freedom of expression, and thus, we must make sure our government does not fall into the wrong hands by voting properly and responsibly in the elections.
Former PM Thaksin is a good example of the cruel, fast-paced world we live in, in which politicians are made especially accountable to their actions. The media is a powerful tool, and can be used to blow up small issues into huge crimes. Thaksin made a mistake by selling Shin Corp for a personal profit, and the military used this opportunity to justify their staging a coup to overthrow him. Effectively, they ended a prospering democracy. Thaksin was a man known to have done many things for his country, establishing numerous policies that tackled various aspects like health and education. Thaksin was known to be sympathetic with the poor rural people in Thailand, which consist of the majority of the population. His policies have tackled their problems and helped them in many ways, thus their support of him in elections, letting him become the first Prime Minister to complete his term in office.
His attempts to use the radio network to broadcast his message to return to democracy was stopped before it went too far, and pro-Thaksin supporters quickly arrested by the military. This brings into focus the power of the military government. Using Thaksin's "mistake" as justification to stage a coup, they have toppled the democracy of Thailand, and effectively abolished elections. Thaksin's calls are quickly put down, and the present Prime Minister made use of the media to put his views across about Thaksin's 'plans' to gain support. The cut off of opposition helps the military government brainwash the people, and think of Thaksin as bad. The present Prime Minister claims that Thaksin is attempting to gather support to make another stand in Thailand. Why, we ask? What would a multi-billionaire want to do with politics? I feel that he only has his countries best interest at heart, and wants to make moves to change it back into a democracy rather than a military led puppet government.
The power of the military government is exhibited, when they can control the news that reaches the people. This power is further enhanced by the people's loss of voting power. As Thaksin supported and helped the poor rural people in the past, they are the ones who root for him. Now, they have no power to decide their government, and that might be what caused Thaksin's fall.
We must learn not to be like Thailand, allowing a coup to occur successfully without much opposition; we cannot put too much power into the military. A military government limits one's freedom of expression, and thus, we must make sure our government does not fall into the wrong hands by voting properly and responsibly in the elections.
(500 words)
