The only way ordinary people can get a say in society is by gaining power – which means organising in unions, establishing their own political party, starting cooperatives, and educating themselves and their children. If the Thai state were run by a new party whose voting base was poor and ordinary people, it would be solving the problems that Western countries also faced in their development. The Thai state must intervene to solve problems like the seasonal rice gluts and crashing prices, but not by using short-sighted scams just to buy votes. The state has to wake up to its historical task of helping all citizens living and working under unacceptable conditions. Working people meanwhile must organise and establish their own party.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 15, 2016 18:02 UTC