The annual rite in which Thailand’s parliamentary reporters give new nicknames to politicians is a tongue-in-cheek affair. Nonetheless, with the theme this year reflecting the overall poor performance of all politicians, the funny nickname event is not simply much ado about nothing.
For instance, House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont has been given the nickname “Fake gavel from Dubai”, implying the connection with Thaksin. Somsak used to be known as a “gavel master” for his effective control over the House in 1997. But this year his job performance has been questioned. He also admitted to meeting ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Dubai before receiving his appointment as speaker.
Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has received the nickname “Shell For Pu Daeng” (a pu daeng is a red crab) because the Pheu Thai Party has often invoked its majority to shield Yingluck ― whose nickname is Pu ― from stinging criticism during the House debates. Yingluck herself has not done much to respond to any criticism from her opponents, but instead has let some 20 MPs from the red-shirt movement fire back verbal volleys on her behalf.
It is unfortunate that Thai politicians have once again failed to impress the media and the public in spite of our high expectations. The Pheu Thai Party won a significant majority in the general election. The Yingluck government and its red-shirt supporters have repeatedly cited the importance of democracy and the House system in winning votes from supporters on July 3. However, since being elected, some Pheu Thai politicians have missed many parliamentary meetings, even though the House sessions are deemed by them as being essential to the democratic system. The House should provide a forum for people to voice their concerns through their members of Parliament. Many sessions have been broadcast live because ordinary citizens want to see how their politicians represent them and stand up for their needs in the House debate.
In addition, some politicians have not taken criticism from other House members seriously. They have refused to answer some questions during House meetings. These politicians often say that they have received a mandate from the voters and they have no need to respond to concerns raised by their opponents.
The Upper House’s performance has been no better. Senate Speaker Teeradej Meepien has been named the “Evasive General” because he is well known for ducking questions on hot issues. The entire Senate chamber has been dubbed “Sangkhaloke” or antique chinaware. The name is a metaphor, alluding to the general lackluster performance of the chamber. This is because although antique chinaware can be of great value, it may not really offer any practical use.
Another unpleasant and surprising development is that reporters this year have refrained from nominating any politician as an “Outstanding Lawmaker” ― because none of them has been impressive in performing even basic duties. The public expects more from elected representatives. Many have been glued to TV sets during the House debates only to see politicians skipping the sessions or failing to address their concerns. The legislative highlight of the year has been nothing to celebrate as reporters selected the House’s failure to form a quorum for the new government’s policy statement vote on Aug. 24.
Yingluck herself has been also been named the “Falling Star MP” by the parliamentary reporters. The reporters who voted for this reasoned that as prime minister and Pheu Thai MP, Yingluck has downplayed the importance of legislative work. The reporters also say that Yingluck has skipped some meetings, including critical ones, which were aimed at resolving disputes between the government and the opposition parties.
As Thailand has become a more deeply divisive political society, the public expects that Parliament will be a channel to sort out political differences, which could then offer a chance for real reconciliation. But the process will require honest and sincere communication to let people air their grievances and concerns. Instead, the nicknames given by the reporters suggest that politicians believe otherwise. The House failure to help people sort out their differences could possibly cause them to take to the streets in protest again.
