Learn from the coups, don’t blame coup makers, says Abhisit

In a speech on September 19, Yingluck said that Thais lose the opportunity to stand proudly among world communities every time a coup takes place and hoped that she was the last leader to be ousted in a coup. 

Abhisit, also a former premier, said he agreed with Yingluck in that there is a price to pay every time a coup happens and that Thai people do indeed lose out. However, he said, it was also necessary to think beyond the losses and see what can be done so coups do not recur. 

“I think the most important thing is how we can learn from the past and ensure it is not repeated. If we keep blaming coup makers, we will never be able to learn anything or see a clear picture,” Abhisit said, adding that coup makers always explained what caused them to step in.

He also pointed out that Thailand has had several sets of norms and rules, with the most democratic one being the 1997 constitution, yet Thailand has continued encountering problems. 

This is because those concerned have not been able to establish a political structure that can embrace different ways of thinking and ideologies. 

“Centralised politics” is still predominant, he said, explaining that politicians use people’s power as if it were a permit to do anything, which is contrary to the democratic principle. 

Interference in the media, he said, was what brought people to the streets as it was no longer allowed to be a platform where all sides can air their wishes.