The Nation interviews Suriyasai of the PAD:
This is an important point. In the end, whether it's new or not we must look at the policy of the party. We're now listening to various sides, including [ideas] about economic policy which so far have been of an extreme capitalistic system [on part of the Thai government]. We do not wish to go into deep detail but our PAD spirit is to oppose the global capitalist system, with less reliance on the outside and greater self reliance. All free trade must be reviewed. We must work with local capital to lessen our dependence on foreign [capital]. These are the challenge.
BP: In regards to trade and foreign capital, don't Puea Thai and the Democrats have more things in common than the Democrats and PAD?
The PAD has many ex-CPT and leftist dudes. They clearly have control of the economic agenda.
Dems and PTP are both proponents of Capitalism although they shall we say differ on detail.
With PAD launching a left agenda are they closer to minority groups in the UDD?
The problem with Thailand is not enough capitalism, and too much cronyism. Idiots like Suriyasai, the PAD, and may pseudo-intellectual Thai elites who blame capitalism for Thailand's problems don't know what they're talking about. Thailand is only a capitalist economy in name. So many sectors are heavily regulated, with businesses dependent on government licenses and concessions to carry on. Currying favor with the government, rather than innovation and offering the quality products at competitive prices, is the name of the game if you want to be successful as a business. This is cronyism, not capitalism.
Contrary what Suriyasai believes, the challenge is not to lessen Thailand's dependence on foreign capital. Rather, the challenge is to lessen its almost complete dependence on foreign knowledge, science, and technology. What do the Thais produce based on their own capacities (except rice)?
In 1971, Norman Jacobs referred to this as a lack of development; in 2009, Richard Doner calls the same thing a lack of "upgrading."
Since the time of Jacobs, when the only country ahead was Japan, Thailand has long been overtaken by South Korea, Taiwan, and even Malaysia. Now, many Thais already feel threatened by Vietnam.
What world in Suriyasai, or the "spirit of the PAD", living in? Self-reliance would mean a drastic reduction of the standard of living most Thais have become used to.
What is the PAD policy in the areas of education, knowledge production, science and technology?
Free-market capitalism. When I look around, the actual free-markets, that operate mostly unregulated and domestically are the only ones doing well during this downturn.
Its the international/multinationals laying people off and making cutbacks, factory workers and exporters - tourism and the likes.
There is a lot of merit to being self-sufficient. I don't believe in isolationism, but trade should be supplementary, not what you solely depend on.
Government/crony capitalism doesn't work, and unfortunately that's all "global capitalism" is. Monopolies guarded by corrupt governments, underpinned by even more corrupt bankers. Free market capitalism on a global scale would be great, but it requires an educated, empowered citizenry that can ferret out and circumvent the massive top heavy corruption that now exists.
Its dicey, but those universal constructors are right around the corner. Good luck until then.
Tony, Bangkok