Asked about the current political turmoil in Thailand and Myangmar and how he would deal with protesters if he were still in power, Thaksin emphasised the importance of communicating with today's youth.
“Political rallies in Thailand are caused by young people starting to become uncertain about their future. The government must communicate with these young protesters based on reason, as well as find ways to make Thailand open and free.”
"Democracy" is a label for a Western institution. What people everywhere want is a say in determining the future. How that is materialised, we call democracy. It means adult suffrage, separation of religion and state, hustings, periodic elections, a free press, accountability. It requires the rule of law and a functioning, effective, non-discriminatory state.
Things we in the West take for granted. But in Arab kingdoms, there is majlis. Black African kingdoms are run by powerful heads of family or tribe. Is America run by combines or a power-elite.
What is not acceptable is dictatorship or oligarchy. Tianammen Sq and Yangon will not be forgotten.
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