22 dec 2003

As we approach the third anniversary of the Great Victorious Election, I gaze across the political landscape and my heart surges with contentment. It is flat. It is calm. It is a thing of beauty.

Where are the public intellectuals? When Prawase Wasi made some comments, I said: “He doesn’t understand and all he ever thinks is that he’s a cut above the rest.” When Anand Panyarachun offered some advice, I suggested he should “be patient and stop talking” because it is “too easy if one says something only in order to be perceived as a hero.”

As for Thirayuth Boonmee, I told everybody: “He appears to be hollow in his views. He can’t provide evidence to back up his views. He’s an academic who is so unacademic.” In fact, he’s like “an old record that has played over and over for 10 years”, and besides “He made all those comments just to catch public attention.” Ammar Siamwalla took a vow of silence. So commendable.

The public intellectuals have all become very private indeed.

Where are the NGOs? I made it clear, “Some people finish their education then do nothing but work with NGOs supported by foreigners. There is no interest in these ridiculous groups who only do things that are loud and flashy and useless. To me these people are meaningless.” I have said many times, “they want to make news and get media attention so they can request foreign funds.” I promised them “long and painful consequences”.

The NGOs are now No Go Organisations. Civil society has disappeared just like Thailand’s forests. All that is left is Suriyasai Katasila.

Where are the students and academics? When one lecturer criticised my US trip, I suggested his university should investigate him. The colleges have stopped conducted public polls on controversial matters after I told the Education Ministry they must “avoid causing damage to society and the nation.” I have made my views clear that, “Some academics cannot teach and make students analyse, but want to draft the Constitution. These people will have to go.”

The universities are now oases of calm. At the annual Chula-Thammasat football game, one side sensibly refrained from the tradition of political parody.

Where are the so-called think tanks? As I said about TDRI, “They must have felt disappointed that the government has not made much use of this agency. But the truth is we haven’t used them because we don’t quite trust them.” They must be thinking hard about staying afloat.

Where is the press? I told them, “You media people have to believe me. Today serving the country is more important than sending your news despatches daily to our editors. Think before you do anything that damages the country.” I told them to stop printing “destructive news”.

Where is the parliamentary opposition? As I said long ago, “Talking about the Opposition, I can only laugh.” Some opposition politicians still criticise me, but only because “They are trying to make themselves the centre of attention.” But there is no need for an Opposition because “the people have already made up their minds to vote for Thai Rak Thai” in the next election. I will remain prime minister for another term. Then, “after I have solved the country’s problems”, there will be no more need for my leadership as “There will be no poverty, no ‘mafia’, no societal ills.” The Thai Rak Thai party will remain in power for three more terms with little to do but bask in the people’s gratitude. After that “I will ask the people to choose other parties out of sympathy, as they will have been waiting a long time.”

Where are the factions and the rivals? Inside, the party is as calm as the Gulf of Thailand in the summer doldrums. Successors come and successors go. At first, Purachai seemed to be a so-called potential successor. But his star fell like a Salween teak tree. Then I embraced Suwat as a possible political heir. Now he must be back in Khorat lighting candle after candle in front of the statue of Khunying Mo. Lastly, I hinted that Somkid might be the right man. Since then, he’s been even more than usually withdrawn.

Where are all the so-called influential people? I told them, “Influence which buys votes is a barrier to democracy. It is not proper democracy. I want politicians who see politics as service to the people, not as an investment which they have to recoup.” I have increased the allowance to TRT MPs up to 200,000 baht a month. “Democracy is just a tool, not our goal.”

Silence is golden. In this abounding calm, I can meditate on my motto as prime minister: “you must be rich and don’t stop becoming richer.”