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Published on November 7, 2007

The identities of these two arch rivals have become blended in the process and Corruption has tried to convince his enemy that only through a special pact - featuring great tolerance of graft - can democracy be sustained. "Accept me and we both live happily ever after."

Exhausted, bitter and confused, Democracy has resisted merely through sheer willpower. Can the upcoming general election turn the tide for him? One thing is certain: the demon is the one with a firm agenda and real focus:

Democracy: You will be doomed by your own arrogance. An election is coming. Don't underestimate the Thai people's will to see a big change.

Corruption: Men like you never cease to amuse me with their illusions. They call the election a "return to democracy"; all I see are new opportunities for me to thrive. This may surprise you, but I can't wait for December 23. I can't wait to be proven right that you and me are inseparable.

Democracy: I never said it's going to be totally clean and fair. But it will give Thais a chance to start anew. As for your dream of a grand comeback,

Thais have learned a lot of lessons. It won't be as easy as before.

Corruption: I'd like to try what you are smoking, kiddo. Not as easy? I have never seen a rosier road, and I have been around quite a while, you know. Face it: all sides in this sad, crazy political episode will utilise me to the maximum to either win or regain power. You will see that, whether one is for or against you, he will embrace me to win the poll.

Democracy: You are back to your Democracy-needs-Corruption babbling again. If you think you're so indispensable and invincible, why keep begging me for a pact? Why not go ahead and kill me so you can do whatever you like? Maybe you need me more than I need you, after all?

Corruption: Hello. Suharto, Marcos, Milosevic, Duvalier, Mobutu Sese Seko, Fujimori. Ring any bells? That's $30 billion of allegedly embezzled funds put together in a moderate estimate, and they weren't that democratic, were they? No need to mention the likes of Than Shwe or Kim Jong-il, whose records are unavailable - but I'm sure have to be fantastic. Thanks for your concern, but I have been doing pretty well without you.

Democracy: Then why offer me a truce?

Corruption: I've told you a thousand times. I'm tired of our pretentious fight and all the hypocrisy. I also want people to see me as I am - your sponsor and facilitator, not destroyer, as many have made me out to be. And yes, you have reciprocated by shielding me, albeit reluctantly. No tears were shed when those leaders I mentioned were thrown out of office. When it comes to a democratically elected leader like that Thai fella in England - who in effect is a combination of you and me - it's quite different. I can still feel the love being showered upon him.

Democracy: He is not me. He can fool anyone, including himself, that he is, but he isn't.

Corruption: You are losing your soul. You reject your own product. Why? Because there is a part of me in him? You are so uncompromising, it's ridiculous. I guess you don't want that guy's "nominee party" to win the election as well, which makes you the real hypocrite between us.

Democracy: You're wrong. I don't mind if the People Power Party wins. I don't care who's the next prime minister or how unstable the new government will be - as long as they keep you out. As long as they make it a little bit harder for you to operate, I'll be satisfied.

Corruption: How old are you? A few hundred years? I have been with humans before they became human. I helped Homo sapiens and his ancestors survive. They learned to cheat, steal, betray, rob and plunder, and they came good. Do you think there would have been a human species today if those folks had called a vote every time they had a problem?

Democracy: Some were called barbarians for good reason. The world evolves, but you want everyone to still consider you a necessary evil. No, you are just Evil, and sooner or later you will die.

Corruption: You aren't going to wake up, are you? Take a good look at Thailand. What about those official documents classifying the PPP as a national threat? What about vote-buying? What if your new darling Samak wins power and enacts a law to whitewash Thaksin and bring him back?

Cheating. Stealing. Robbing. Betrayal. You name it. Like everything humans did before, only in a more sophisticated form, and sadly they use your name to legitimise those acts.

Whether you want to join me or not, I will be there, my friend. I will be there every step of the way. I will take Thais by the hand and guide them on their journey back to embrace you.

And the world, heaven and hell continue to hold their breath...

 Tulsathit Taptim

The Nation