LIVING IN THE PAST

If ever there was conclusive proof needed that the army is dangerously out of touch with the reality of modern Thailand, Gen Apirat Kongsompong has just provided it (BP, Oct 12).

The Communist Party surrendered in 1988. Why then is Gen Apirat seeking to give new life to a movement which became extinct in Thailand over 30 years ago? Aren’t there any current issues more important to the well-being of the Thai nation and people for Gen Apirat to concern himself with?

What about the current lack of democracy, transparency and freedom of expression for a start, followed closely by oppression, injustice, inequality, corruption, nepotism, the malfeasance of officials, ineffective checks and balances, poor education, the lacklustre economy, poverty, the erosion of Buddhist values reflected by rising consumerism and materialism, environmental degradation, the carnage on the roads, etc? The list of ills which Gen Apirat could concern himself with, if he was genuinely concerned about the aspirations of the Thai people, is very, very long.

Considering China’s stellar economic performance under communism over the past decades and the emergence of communist Vietnam as a serious economic competitor to Thailand, why is Gen Apirat seeking to demonise a non-existent threat? Is it Gen Apirat’s irrational fear of communism spurring the current irresponsible spending on defence material?

The army is living at least 50 years in the past, as are the people Gen Apirat’s views represent. In seeking to resurrect this hoary ghost, Gen Apirat has conclusively demonstrated that the army is a large part of the problem, not the solution. Better get back to the barracks, Gen Apirat, and check for reds under the beds.

Sibeymai