Thanatorn: patience is a virtue (an interview)
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Int: Hello Kuhn Thanatorn. These are tough times since the foundation of the FFP, aren't they?
Than: Yes, you can say yes. 'Never a dull moment', the English say.
Int: I am therefore very pleased that you have been able to make time for this interview for a large number of Belgian and Dutch expats who are interested in you and in the FFP. I hope you will excuse me for asking some direct questions. We are used to that in Europe.
Than: Go ahead. In recent years I have become somewhat used to direct questions, from journalists but also from Thai judges.
Int: If I read correctly, you have assets worth several billion Bahts. What does a 41-year-old billionaire do every day: drink cappuccino, go to the golf course, eat out twice a day, add a bottle of wine, check stock prices every hour, hold a conference call?
Than: Hahahahahahah. It will surprise you. I try to have breakfast with my wife and children as much as possible, and then I go to the office. My wife takes the kids to school in a shuttered van. Do have many business lunches and dinner dates. But no alcohol during the week.
Int: A Thai or an international school?
Than: An international school; I would almost say of course. I send my children to a good school. Not all Thai citizens have that happiness and money. Unfortunately. And it will also take a number of years before education in Thailand is much better than it is now.
Int: But why is that? You actually have enough money to finance a number of new-style primary schools yourself, as Kuhn Meechai does with his PDA organization, don't you? Many entrepreneurs earn a lot of money over the heads of unskilled and cheap workers, then complain about the quality of education, think that the government should do something about it and do nothing themselves with all their money. Or am I being too negative?
Than: No, but there are more important matters to settle in this country such as a revision of the Constitution and the reduction of the power and strength of the army.
Int: Do you really mean that? Does that really make the 'Kuhn in the soi' better? You are an entrepreneur yourself. Isn't it one of the real problems of this country that many young people (who voted for you in large numbers anyway) are absolutely unprepared for the future in terms of critical thinking, creativity, open-mindedness, work ethic and knowledge of languages and people? ?
Than: You have a point there. And that is why we should have more freedom of speech and less control by those in power, of whatever nature.
Int: That all sounds nice, but what good is freedom of expression if citizens are not well educated and follow popular politicians uncritically? We have plenty of examples of that from recent Thai history, don't we?
Than: Yes, and some of them are back in the current parliament.
Int: That's what I mean. They are democratically elected. Some even defected to the politically hostile camp without any repercussions. In countries where voters think, this is political suicide.
Than: Yes, we are far from that far here in Thailand. We prefer political 'murders'.
Int: That's what you say. Shouldn't we in Thailand get rid of that constant attempt to undermine the political opponent? I don't believe there is a country in the world with more libel complaints against political opponents than here. And your party is now also participating in this. Suing members of other parties for owning shares in a potential media company (similar to natrapping) or appropriating land that is likely to be used by poor farmers. That is not really a job for serious politicians who insist that things have to be done differently in this country.
Than: You're kind of right about that. But let's face it: opponents of the ruling economic and political elite, the happy few, try to defend their interests at all costs; and intimidate opponents. You follow a bit of what happened to me in recent years and weeks, don't you?
Int: Of course.
Than: Well, then I don't have to explain much.
Int: I do have a question about that. You attended Triam Udom Suksa High School, just like 3 members of the current privy council and the economic tsar Kuhn Somkid. You actually belong to the elite of this country, don't you? You are, oh no, were the richest Member of Parliament. And your uncle Suriya is one of Prayut's biggest fans. Not quite the profile of a social-democratic, seasoned champion of the interests of the underprivileged in this country. You have charisma, sure, but are you credible?
Than: Yes, every family has its black sheep. Hahahahaha. No, we don't think that way in our family. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Even if I think that's the wrong opinion. hahah.
Int: That's nice of course. But oddly enough, it doesn't sound that believable. Some members of your own party, the FFP, recently voted with the ruling parties to approve the placing of a number of army units under the direct command of the head of state. And then internally was the gate of the dam.
Tha: Of course. We cannot get anything done in parliament if some vote with the government. As members of parliament of the FFP, we have to draw a line, even on subjects that are not included in our election programme.
Int: So you think cadaver voting discipline within the FFP is acceptable? In the distant past, only the Dutch Communist Party had such a thing in the Netherlands. Is General Apirat right after all? And weren't you happy when a few Democratic MPs defected to your camp in a vote on an inquiry into the junta's Article 44 decisions? That's called freedom of speech, I think.
Than: I can imagine that with my 3 MBAs (1 in Switzerland and 1 in the USA) and my ability, some voters may not find me as credible when it comes to defending the interests of the masses. And also that the elite of which I actually belong consider me a bit of a traitor and compare them to Thaksin. He and his family here belonged and still belong to the wealthy Thai elite of course. I don't want to be compared to him because he didn't do a lot of things and did it wrong. He was more interested in long-term popularity so that he could bend the country more to his will. He was no longer the youngest either. And, of course, he did not forget about his own interests. But I'm a realist. The FFP must cooperate with the Thaksin party in parliament.
Int: If I am correctly informed, you made a deal in 2005 with Elon Musk of Tesla (not really one of the underprivileged on this planet either, and not such a nice man it seems) for 7,9 billion Baht and there made a profit of 5,9 billion. That sounds like profit. You also seem unusually wealthy like the generals you want examined for it. And you have not really shared that profit with your employees by, for example, giving them an end-of-year bonus of 50.000 Baht. The shareholders have benefited and that means you and your family. It all sounds a bit Thaksin-like.
Than: Maybe a bit silly, yes. Thais still rely a lot on the person and less on the ideas. This may also increasingly apply to other countries, including the West.
Int: Probably yes. In my homeland we have a new political party that is rapidly gaining popularity; more by the person of the leader than by his ideas. But he also evokes resistance with his elitist talk and behavior. And such a party is of course a platform, a forum for charlatans (the party is also called 'Forum for Democracy') who think they can get rich and famous quickly. Doesn't that bother you?
Than: Well. You have seen that a number of FFP executives who did not win the elections in their district protested at the headquarters because they had been promised jobs in that case. And we couldn't always keep that promise.
Int: Was such a promise necessary?
Than: Unfortunately, yes. We are dealing with a transitional period in political thinking. I'm kind of the go-getter in the party, Piyabutr the intellectual. We were a strong couple. But in fairness it must be said that he is not always well understood. Well, the low level of education also takes its toll here. Fortunately, many compensate for this with unbridled energy and fighting spirit.
Int: The fighting spirit is somewhat unilaterally aimed at the old regime and the army: abolition of conscription, investigation into the wealth of the generals, transparency in the funds that are spent by the army outside the budget. I'm not saying you're wrong, but it's a little easy to score in the public eye when I think you're underestimating the support for Prayut and his associates. You also only raise resistances in your opponents. One of the old defectors, Tsar Somkid has now invited the opposition to discuss with the government how we can get the economy back on track. It seems to me that the FFP could score there if they come up with social-democratic, non-capitalist solutions.
Than: Then what are you thinking about?
Int: Introducing the commons economy, introducing its own currency in Isan that can only be used in Isan and does not depend on the exchange rate of the Baht, encouraging consumer direct involvement with food producers (not only sales but also pre-financing), removing all barriers for foreigners to live and work here, making it possible for foreigners to start their own business and own real estate. Want even more ideas?
Than: No, I think that will suffice for now. I will pass them on to Piyabutr as soon as possible. He is the thinker in the party. I am retreating behind the scenes for a few years and preparing for my return to Bangkok in the countryside. I am now 41, Prayut 65. They must exclude me for a very long time if I do not ever come to power in the future. My time will come. Patience is a virtue.
Int: Thank you very much for your time. And good luck in the future.
The spearhead now is breaking the old chains. Demilitarization, decentralization and finally democracy. Maybe introduce the 3 O's next? Education, oldies, real estate? Or no, I can think of another O, preceded by Sia.
Then the 3 B's? No, not the elderly because we've already had those Oldies. But maybe taxes, Thai babes and beer.
I'm curious how you want to break the taxes.
Raise taxes on income and/or goods or lower taxes on imported goods?
You have to be politically very naive to think that you can demilitarize Thailand without even having a parliamentary majority.
The Thai military is intertwined throughout Thai society, a deterrent but also a major employer, spender and even entrepreneur. Take the 100.000 conscripts per year. Of course we can discuss what a conscript should and should not do, but what will those 100.000 conscripts do if conscription is abolished? For whatever they do (shooting or weeding), they get 10.000 Baht a month and many cannot earn that outside the barracks. One of the reasons why a large number of young people want to join the army.
1-2-3 Chris? Thanathorn himself says it will take decades to demilitarize and establish a healthy democracy and rule of law. Below Thanathorn says, after talking about democratization, constitutional amendment and abolishing conscription "it would take years to deliver these changes, it would take decades to make our policy a realisation"
from about 17.00:19.15 pm to XNUMX:XNUMX pm:
https://youtu.be/OigV2Zp5JeM?t=1020
If so many young people want to join the army, surely they can join the army voluntarily? As a professional soldier. Can they work there for a few years or until they retire. But if the party can also turn its other agenda items into reality, things will also improve in areas such as education and the labor market than is currently the case. Can they also make choices other than joining the army to get enough rice on the shelf.
https://en.futureforwardparty.org/about-fwp/our-policies/welfare-and-labor-policy
Nice interview! I did find it interesting that the interviewer talks half as much as the interviewee, Thanathorn. Never experienced before. Glad we now know more what the interviewer thinks!
I think the interviewer simply did his job well and prepared well with the aim of asking critical questions this time as well.
Dear Chris,
I think it's a very bad interview, instead of being critical, the interview is used in a negative way.
Furthermore, the interviewer expresses his own opinion too often.
example?
In the piece below 3x in 1 paragraph
“more by the personality of the leader than by his ideas. But he also evokes resistance with his elitist talk and behavior. And such a party is of course a platform, a forum for charlatans (the party is also called 'Forum for Democracy') who think they can get rich and famous quickly.
"
It was of course a light interview Tino, so that between the lines the interviewer approaches Mr Thanathorn as a kind of Thaksin the Second, you have to let go. A missed opportunity by the interviewer not to give Than's activist past a little more space. Or are we all supposed to be familiar with Than's photos and stories in which he has been fighting for humanistic, social, democratic values together with ordinary Thai people since his student days?
https://youtu.be/nZmlFs1YzRY?t=3076
Past struggles are no guarantee of real credibility in the future.
Look at the many PvdA members and Green Leftists who, after their political career, went on to serve big business.
With such a lineage, entering the political arena is suspicious anyway. Which does not alter the fact that there is a kind of more civilized opposition and that is already quite a lot.
In my work I also see more and more resistance from people in their thirties against the interest groups that are invariably snatched away by the older generation of people over 60 on the basis of age and origin.
With the arrival of social media, other interest groups are now emerging in which the elderly suddenly have to listen and do not even (want to) participate.
The FFP is a start in the process and it will take at least another 20 years before the wind will really change.
In the meantime, we have to wait for the hardliners to pass away and those places will automatically be filled by world-wise sons and daughters.
Regarding Meechai and his PDA foundation.
There are several that have an eye for the younger youth, such as the school at Sukhumvit 8. The owner is already elderly and for a small fee children can be taught there and, from what I have heard, also a reasonable level.
My son also attends a school set up by a group of wealthy entrepreneurs. 3x more expensive than a government school, but with the condition that if you get less than 50% of the scores you are no longer welcome.
Some people will say that this is not fair and others including myself think that it is never too early to make performing a habit in this angry world. I come from a culture of sixes and I will not recommend that to anyone, although it was a good time, that is.
As the state begins to exercise more and more control over citizens around the world, the future for democracy looks bleak.
China has complete control over its citizens.
In Russia all smartphones must be equipped with Russian software (no doubt spy software)
In America there are the huge databases of the anti-social media, of which you wonder how much access the government has.
In various European countries, governments are fiddling with people's rights.
The EU wants to gain more and more power.
I do not expect Thailand to avoid this general trend.
Quote from the interviewer about Thanathorn:
"(You, Thanathorn, are) not exactly the profile of a social-democratic, seasoned champion of the interests of the underprivileged in this country."
Unfortunately, Thanathorn does not give a clear answer to that because he was. I'll do that then. Thanathorn really was a champion of social-democratic values and law from his early childhood, also in practice. Here's what Thanathorn did:
Throughout his studies, Thanathorn was involved with various charities and NGOs calling for social and economic reforms in Thailand, including Friends of the People and the Assembly of the Poor. During this time, Thanathorn campaigned for the land and compensation rights of villagers affected by the Pak Mun Dam in Ubon Ratchathani Province.
Whose deed.
Perhaps the moderator, who does an excellent job, will allow me to write one more question and answer
Int. Have you ever been threatened?
Than. Certainly, the powers that be see me as a threat. Last year someone threatened me with death. There are 28 charges against me and the party. We are accused of 'ชังชาติ' chang chaat. Chang is 'to hate', not as someone hates stew of kale but as someone hates mosquitoes that are dangerous and need to be exterminated. And chaat is 'nation, homeland'. We would hate Thailand. We are often accused of wanting to overthrow the monarchy and reject Thai values, including Buddhism. I am not so afraid for myself, but I am afraid for my wife and three children. I might end up in jail, but I'll persevere anyway.
Thailand: parents beat their children, masters beat schoolchildren, teachers beat students, men beat their wives, adults beat their parents. Thais grow up with violence and the idea that violence works. I myself have been threatened with a large kitchen knife and throwing Molotov cocktails by my ex-girlfriend just for breaking up with me. Hisos move in blinded cars and members of parliament and all ministers have bodyguards.
As long as Thais threaten and use violence against each other, the role and image of the army will not change. Unfortunately. The army is only too happy to see protests and violence in the streets again. It is likely that their accomplices also provoke that violence to their advantage.
Absolutely true, Chris. We can add to the list of acts of violence:
Conscripts are beaten up, and sometimes beaten to death, demonstrators are shot by the army. ("Free Firing Zone" was written on a sign at the Rachaprasong in 2010). The Thai army has killed more Thai civilians than foreign enemies since 1945.
Absolutely true, Tino.
In 2016, the Thai police reported more than 2000 murders and 2786 attempted murders. Figures may be on the low side and road fatalities are not included. I would classify drunk driving deaths as wrongful death. That's about 90 a week.
When it comes to your own life, the Thai is statistically much better off looking out for other compatriots and looking over your shoulder than a uniformed army officer. They are much less dangerous.
Since 1945, Thai citizens themselves have killed far more compatriots than the Thai army.