I’ve been engaged in some interesting coup discussion recently. I think discussion about the events of September 19 and the aftermath can really draw out the issues that are prevalent. In doing so, however, it becomes abundantly clear that there is no straightforward ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ here. Thailand has a number of problems that will take time to solve. Although I stand firmly against the ideology of the coup, I can see that the situation is far from black and white. The following email discussion has been edited slightly:

In response to this THIS article, which was published in Guru Magazine, R sent me this email: “What makes you believe that Thailand is emulating Western values when most of its population hasn’t got a clue what these are? You should ask a farmer or two what he thinks of Western values such as gigantic shopping malls, Big Brother and Academy Fantasia. When asking about Democracy, you should not be surprised to hear the reply “on what channel is that?” or “where can I buy it?”

Matt: You raise some interesting points and this is also something I neglected. In saying that Thailand adopts Western values I immediately undermined my point of view about the rural classes. But again this highlights the enormous divide between the elite and the poor. What can we do to make this better? I really am at a loss. My point was less about malls and more about how Thailand relies on Western values in the bigger cities. I’m talking in terms of infrastructure, education, business, and so on.

Please, let me know more of your thoughts.

R: There is a huge divide between the rich and the poor. The distinctions are not geographic. I am sure you have noticed the existence of slums at the very bottom of expensive condominium or at the back of these huge shopping malls.

The problem with Thai democracy is that it was swiftly overlay over a traditional system that is alien to democratic values. I am not saying that the old system is good or bad, but simply that it is there and was ignored when democracy was whitewashed over it.

There is a huge work of education to be done and it has to be done carefully to avoid accusation of interventionism and neo-colonialism.

I don’t fully agree with you when you say that Thailand relies on Western values in the bigger cities in terms of infrastructure, education, business, and more. The adoption of Western ‘values’ is very superficial and, as you said, mostly Bangkokian and urban. It is more concerned with looks and appearances than deeper social values. For years, the West has been projecting a very particular image in Asia: that of consumerism as a source of happiness with the underlying message that democracy is what makes it possible. The West does not explain what democracy is or what democratic values are.

The rural poor are not interested by freedom of speech, freedom of the media, human rights. For years they have seen and heard Thaskin promoting business and telling them that he will provide them with these luxuries and that this was what Thailand should aim for.

The damages are huge and not only Thaksin’s doings. I am rather pessimistic about the future of Thailand, not form a political point of view but as a society.

Matt: So the key to solving the problem is to educate the masses as to what democracy is and why they should care, would you agree? So how can this be achieved, especially in a country where democracy was actively overthrown by the only people who now hold the power to make a difference?

Why should the rural masses care for a value that has no superficial benefit to them when all they know is what Thaksin has taught them? Seems like the only thing to do is pacify them and then let them be. If this is the case, then the power lies in the group who can pacify them. So where does this leave the rest of us? And where does this leave the middle and upper classes? Surely their contribution also matters.

R: Yes, it is an educational issue. It should be part of the curriculum to train ‘citizens’ and not ‘consumers.’ But again you are right, the coup somehow is at odds with democratic ideals. But if we accept that we were not really in a democracy, well, I know, pragmatism Vs. principles…

Your second point is very true too, and again not a Thai-only issues. Even in Europe people don’t care much about democracy and exercising it. In London a few years ago, I was the only one out of 15 people at work to actually vote, and you know what? I am not even British! The ‘problem’ with democratic values is that they are based on a lot of altruism and altruism’s pay-backs are not obvious and immediate.”

For now I think the rural class and the poorest may worry that they will no longer benefit as much as they used too. But also keep in mind that not all the farmers and the poor supported Thaksin. Some did not because they were hurt by some of Thaskin’s economic policies and deals, in particular the trade agreement with China, and the forthcoming trade agreement with the US.

The dreams of the poor are the reality of the rich. The upper class swims in money, don’t expect much from them. Always remember that in Thailand what you look like is what matters, not what you are. Appearance is all. Everything beautiful is good, everything good must be beautiful.

Techno’ tags: Coup, Constitution, Bangkok, Thailand, Politics, Government