I think I mentioned in an earlier post how much I enjoyed reading through The Bangkok Post during our trip to Thailand. Produced in broadsheet form, the pages bend and fold in their own peculiar way, something that it not shared with the tabloid. It was during these reading sessions that I became more acquainted with Thai politics and current affairs. Politics in the Kingdom is an opaque matter, for even Ann is unable to articulate a clear position and Thai's seem reluctant to talk about it.

The Government which arose from the military coup of some three years ago is headed by the former General (now PM) Prayut Chan-o-cha. The regime goes by the name, National Council For Peace and Order, which makes no pretence of being faintly democratic. There is little doubt that the Government has worked earnestly towards solving some of Thailand's problems, but it seems unlikely to me that military men are the best equipped to do so.

A few weeks ago the Prime Minister issued four questions for general discussion in Thailand and they have been widely discussed, though also widely ridiculed. It should come as no surprise that if a question is asked with an answer already in mind, then the exercise is largely moot.

You can judge for yourself.

1. Do you think the next election will bring a government with good governance?

2. What should be done if it fails to do so?

3. Elections are an important element of democracy. Is it right to (give importance to) elections alone without consideration for the country’s future such as national strategy and reform?

4. Do you think political groups with inappropriate behaviour deserve a chance to run in elections? If they are elected, who should solve the problem and how?