Fuzzy Thai logic

Historically, fear of communist regimes has been used by politicians to keep them alive, strive and win elections. In the USA, politicians always create a hostile enemy and introduce a powerful fear factor to get elected. For most of the last century, the USA treated China, the Soviet Union, Cuba and Sandinistas as a threat to democracy and the whole world. First, it was Soviets, later China, and in this new century, al-Qaeda and the Islamic State became the new threat. And now they have a new enemy — immigrants from across the border from Mexico and South America. A whole generation of Americans grew up dreaming about communists taking away their freedom and democracy. Sadly, even today a big lobby of Cuban immigrants in Florida keeps those fears alive.

In spite of its economic growth, China is still run by a full-fledged Communist Party apparatus. It is quite strange that the Thai military regime will go the extra mile in cosying up to China, ignoring its communist roots. It is even more bothersome that Thai military personnel scorn their own people and label them as anti-nationalist and communists while embracing China as a close friend. As always, in Thailand, you need to wonder what kind of logic is being used by those in power. Fuzzy logic, I guess and the usual parrot talk that the communists are lingering out there. Yes, but these days they are coming in big numbers with no visa fees and they are coming from China.

KULDEEP NAGI