With Thaksin's departure from the Thai political scene, Cambodian people are wondering if the same could happen to strongman Hun Sen of Cambodia. The majority of them do not believe so. Nevertheless, the Berlin wall was taken down, and Marcos of the Philippines as well as Suharto of Indonesia were removed from their long held job by the "People Power." Only time will tell if Mr. Hun Sen will live up to 109-year-old at the helm of Cambodia's government. The countdown for democracy in Southeast Asia is still in full swing: one down, one more to go!Thursday, April 6, 2006
By Chhim Sopheark and Erik Wasson
THE CAMBODIA DAILY
The resignation of Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was a surprise for Thais on Tuesday, but it came as a shock for several Cambodians interviewed Wednesday who said that something similar could never happen here.
Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai party won a snap election on Sunday with what he said was 57 percent of the vote, but the victory came in the face of an election boycott and anti-Thaksin protests that have rocked Bangkok for months. Thaksin on Wednesday appointed a deputy to serve as caretaker prime minister until a replacement is found.
"It couldn't happen in Cambodia," said a 30year-old motorbike taxi driver who declined to give his name.
"Our leaders have struggled since 1979, so they don't want to give their power away. They have built a lot of schools," he said.
Pak Oudom, a 24-year-old student at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, said no demonstration would ever lead Prime Minister Hun Sen to step down, and that there simply was no one to organize one.
"Maybe [Thaksin] is aware that he is wrong and that's why he decided to step down ... If we compare it to Cambodia it's better, as some leaders here who are wrong cannot accept criticism," Pak Oudom said. "Some critics dare not sleep in their own houses. Here they resort to violence rather than peaceful expressions of opinion."
A student at the University of Human Resource Development, who also declined to give his name, said Cambodian leaders should look to Thailand as an example.
"They should let people have the right to protest. Our leaders should reduce violence against protesters: don't kick, hit or use weapons to deter and threaten protesters," he said.
Official reaction was more muted. Government spokesman and Information Minister Khieu Kanharith said Cambodia had no official comment but expects little will change.
"We expect Tliailand to maintain its stability," he said.
Thai Ambassador Piyawat Niyomrerks noted that Thaksin is still in office, and that after he steps down his party will remain in power.
"It will enhance the stability of Thailand. Because there are differences of opinion within Thai society, by stepping down he hopes that he can reconcile these differences and make the Thai community united," he said.
Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai party won a snap election on Sunday with what he said was 57 percent of the vote, but the victory came in the face of an election boycott and anti-Thaksin protests that have rocked Bangkok for months. Thaksin on Wednesday appointed a deputy to serve as caretaker prime minister until a replacement is found.
"It couldn't happen in Cambodia," said a 30year-old motorbike taxi driver who declined to give his name.
"Our leaders have struggled since 1979, so they don't want to give their power away. They have built a lot of schools," he said.
Pak Oudom, a 24-year-old student at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, said no demonstration would ever lead Prime Minister Hun Sen to step down, and that there simply was no one to organize one.
"Maybe [Thaksin] is aware that he is wrong and that's why he decided to step down ... If we compare it to Cambodia it's better, as some leaders here who are wrong cannot accept criticism," Pak Oudom said. "Some critics dare not sleep in their own houses. Here they resort to violence rather than peaceful expressions of opinion."
A student at the University of Human Resource Development, who also declined to give his name, said Cambodian leaders should look to Thailand as an example.
"They should let people have the right to protest. Our leaders should reduce violence against protesters: don't kick, hit or use weapons to deter and threaten protesters," he said.
Official reaction was more muted. Government spokesman and Information Minister Khieu Kanharith said Cambodia had no official comment but expects little will change.
"We expect Tliailand to maintain its stability," he said.
Thai Ambassador Piyawat Niyomrerks noted that Thaksin is still in office, and that after he steps down his party will remain in power.
"It will enhance the stability of Thailand. Because there are differences of opinion within Thai society, by stepping down he hopes that he can reconcile these differences and make the Thai community united," he said.
3 comments:
It's good example for Cambodian leader who should learn from his neibouring nations that fully respect the rights of people. People are the owners of vote so that they can choose whoever they like. And you must follow their opinions if you are truly democrat.
Good Thaksin!
He thinks about his nation rather than his power. He can stay in power for as long as he wants but he won't because controversial, confrontation between him and his oppositions will damage Thai's interest such tourism, investment and even lives.
Really excellent sample for Khmer Leaders!
PS
How can he step down? His head is so big than ever before. Corruption that keeps him in the power as well with his buddies. If the Royal family got their shits straight than that would be possible. If the VC is getting with the US, then he will be hung... like Nicole.
Post a Comment