With the Thai General Election less than a month away the stage is set for real change.
Many political commentators seem to be stuck in the revolving door of finger-pointing at the past.
I have always preferred to look forward, we must never forget the past, but we must use our experience of the past to shape the future.
What has happened in the past can’t be changed. People can be made to answer for their part in past events as a way of drawing an end to a shameful part of history (for example), the hope being that perhaps it would dissuade bad things being repeated in the future.
We can act today to change tomorrow. All Thai citizens of voting age can do this. They do it by voting. I would personally urge you to vote for PheuThai, but as an outspoken advocate of democracy, just voting for a party in Thailand is good.
Don’t be tempted to vote “no”. I am sure that the option is there in the hope that disaffected Redshirts vote no, somehow sleighting the government. Voting no is a waste of time. It doesn’t matter. If you make the effort to vote, vote for a political party.
As the people of the Kingdom consider who to Vote for, a look at the polls show a lead for the PheuThai party. If everyone who can vote, does vote, it looks as though the largest party will be lead by Yingluck, Thaksin Shinawatras sister.
Assuming that she will be allowed to form a government, I can only be optimistic about the future. The first lady Prime Minister of Thailand can only be good for the country. A period of reconciliation and a coming-together of all Thai people in an effort to heal wounds inflicted ever since the last military coup would be more than welcome. I believe that this would be easier under a female PM.
These are, of course, my opinions. That is why I am writing this blog. Many may disagree, as is their democratic right. I won’t be reflecting any disagreement here, though I would defend everyones right to disagree.
I hope that Yingluck and PheuThai party win enough seats in the election that they can govern without needing the support of smaller parties. This would be the quickest route to Thailand’s recovery from the repression of the Abhisit led coalition government.
Don’t waste your vote. Every vote counts. It is the only time that you can help to shape your immediate future.
Tony can be followed on Twitter, twitter.com/TonyHedges
