Democracy, Treachery

Thai Rath said the best description of democracy was made by US president Abraham Lincoln, who said: "Government of the people, by the people, for the peo¬ple". Political scientists note that one of the most important elements of democracy is that the country's leader should receive the consent of the public via an honest and fair election system, not an election which is decided by the power of money.

The second element of democracy is that every group of people must have equal freedoms, including the right to express their views.

Thirdly, an effective check and balance must be in place. For instance, independent organisations should enjoy true free¬dom to exercise their duty without the intervention of any power groups.

Fourthly, the democratic system must be governed by the rule of law, not by any individual figure. Everyone must be sub¬ject to the enforcement of law.

Thai Rath said it was a welcome development that Thais have spent time debating the issue of the rule of law. The rule of law is an important pillar in any society. But again, people tend to interpret the law in their favour, while calling for justice. They ask for effective enforcement of the law but act counter to what they are calling for.

Thai Rath said these are the general principles of the democratic system and important elements in realising true democracy. Everyone under the demo¬cratic system should adhere to the demo¬cratic culture and listen to the views of the others. People must learn to listen to other views and know when to step back. Indeed, this principle is in line with Buddhist teachings.

Thai Post's editorial, meanwhile, said that fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra deserves more than a charge of treason for what he has done to Thailand. The Thai authorities on Tuesday filed charges against Thaksin and 13 others of causing instability to the nation.

But the paper said that Thaksin should be subject to more severe charges because of the incidents on Monday where, for instance, a gas tanker was placed in front of Din Daeng flats. This was a criminal act tantamount to terrorism.

Thai Post said that Thaksin cannot deny responsibility for the damage he has done to Thais and their property through the riots in Bangkok. The fact that he instigat¬ed the redshirted protesters to "rise up" to defy the authorities should lead to charges of "treason" and "murder" against Thaksin.