Turmoil in Thailand

What we find different, compared to ours, however, is the police handling of protest marches and demonstrations in Thailand. These hold a message or two for us. Time and again we have witnessed use of brute force by our law-enforcing agencies against political demonstrators, for little or no reason. It is indeed worthwhile to note that in Thailand massive demonstrations are being carried out against a sitting prime minister, and yet these have been watched from a distance quietly by law enforcers. Certainly, this bespeaks a kind of tolerance, wisdom and maturity on the part of professional forces in a democracy which is worth emulating.

There is more to it. The Thai election commission is investigating fraud involving PM's own party of which 329 out of 900 prospective candidates have already been barred from contesting elections. See, the role of EC. Not only that, the Supreme Court is also investigating the charges of fraud against Thaksin's party. All these also tell us that the essence of democracy lies in the spirit of enquiry and institutional pursuit of an accountability process, a culture which is yet to take roots in our politics.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Fighting corruption is like a crusade against an evil force and hence no half-hearted measures will produce results. Indeed, corruption can never be eliminated through mere processes of law and regulations; the fight against corruption has to be a continuous and vigorous social movement.