Kingdom in grip of destruction

**dirtydog** · 01-06-2006, 12:53 AM

Kingdom in grip of destruction

Privy Counsellor Dr Kasem Wattanachai warned yesterday that the declining value of honesty and integrity among young people indicated that Thailand is in the grip of a destructive form of capitalism.

Kasem, an advocate of educational reform, said this form of destructive capitalism had four main characteristics - "corruption, cronyism, multiple standards and populism without any rule."

He cited a recent opinion poll which asked 3,000 high school students in Bangkok if they believed corruption in politics was acceptable if politicians ultimately honoured their promises. Fifty-one per cent said "yes".

"These students will go to college, graduate and become the future of our society. I find it hard to imagine what will become of our country if it is full of people thinking this way," Kasem said.

"In fact, ideas like it's acceptable to cheat to get rich and money can buy everything have already spread throughout the country to grassroots people living on flood plains and in the mountains," he added.

Kasem yesterday delivered the keynote speech at the public forum "Thailand in Crisis: chased by capitalism". The forum, organised by the biweekly business publication Prachachart Turakij, addressed the crisis from three angles: social, economic and political.

Kasem said he would focus on social issues and skip politics, but another speaker - Thirayuth Boonmi - remarked that Kasem's address had pinpointed the heart of the county's political problems.

"It is terrible that people feel they can lie without believing that they have done something wrong. Distortion becomes a habit," Kasem said.

The privy counsellor said he was afraid that such negative values would become even more deeply rooted in society and called for families and schools to start restoring religious teaching in order to bring back "truth, integrity and loving kindness for other people".

"The Venerable Buddhadasa Bhikku taught us to get rid of ignorance, greed, defilement and selfishness, but people today don't heed the essence of Buddhist teaching. They run around nine temples a day worshipping Buddha images but fail to learn what is at the heart of our religion."

Kasem also cautioned against the dangers of financial and economic liberalisation, saying the 1997 economic crisis was a sign that Thailand might not be strong enough to compete in a market ruled by economic superpowers.

"We have to look at why some countries open their economy with caution," he said. "And why some open their markets only to face problems."

Nantiya Tangwisutijit
The Nation

**ADare** · 01-06-2006, 04:02 AM

A very brave man who tries to highlight the problems facing any country during a period of revolt.

**Butterfly** · 01-06-2006, 09:27 AM

So you guys do you think we are going into a civil war soon if Thaksin cheats his way back ?

**Marmite the Dog** · 01-06-2006, 12:19 PM

That's the problems with Chinese influences. No morals.

**William** · 01-06-2006, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by Butterfly

So you guys do you think we are going into a civil war soon if Thaksin cheats his way back ?

I don't think there would ever be a civil war while the current King is still alive.

**Dougal** · 01-06-2006, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by William

I don't think there would ever be a civil war while the current King is still alive.

And after?

**qwerty** · 01-06-2006, 09:17 PM

^ That's a very good question. None of the Thais I've talked to about this think very much of the fellow who is next in line.

I know the King has no real political power, but he really has held the country together and helped to make it as peaceful and developed as it is. I think we will all be sorry when he is gone.

**Bluecat** · 01-06-2006, 09:36 PM

Originally Posted by Butterfly

So you guys do you think we are going into a civil war soon if Thaksin cheats his way back ?

He does not really need to cheat his way back, he can be back anytime he wants.
He's got the connections, he's got the money. Unbeatable if he wants to.
Most people admire people of power (money) in this country, hence no risk of civil war.
And Bangkok 'elite' is nothing in the decision making...

**Butterfly** · 01-06-2006, 09:44 PM

Well he is a cheater, and it seems that Thai do admire that trait

**Bluecat** · 01-06-2006, 09:49 PM

Originally Posted by Butterfly

Well he is a cheater, and it seems that Thai do admire that trait

Come on, Butterfly, politics is cheating and not only in Thailand...

**William** · 01-06-2006, 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by Dougal

Originally Posted by William

I don't think there would ever be a civil war while the current King is still alive.

And after?

it'll be interesting indeed.

as interesting, Thailand changed the law about a year ago so that a female can take the crown.

without wishing to go into too much (something I'd happily have a beer with you over), the change in law may not actually have helped much.

**Butterfly** · 01-06-2006, 10:02 PM

Originally Posted by William

Thailand changed the law about a year ago so that a female can take the crown.

Well we all know what this mean, don't we ? also to be expected.

And why the law may actually not have helped much ? do you have a link to that change ?

**William** · 01-06-2006, 10:08 PM

^happy to have a beer and chat.

Google it if you're interested. Otherwise I'll send it to you with the other stuff I owe you

**Butterfly** · 01-06-2006, 10:13 PM

Actually good idea. I would be interested to know more on this topic

**Little Chuchok** · 01-06-2006, 10:29 PM

Originally Posted by Butterfly

Well he is a cheater, and it seems that Thai do admire that trait

And who takes over from him then? I don't mind him.It's better the devil you know etc.

The problem is you are substituting your values for theirs.I honestly believe that many Thais think that polititions should feather their own nest (to a certain extent).They expect it.After all, it was done like this for many years before we arrived with our 'values'.

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