Democracy and recovery in Thailand

Although Thais are celebrating the anniversary of 25 years of democratic rule after the overthrow of a military dictatorship, it is evolution rather than revolution which has proved its strength in their country.

Amid the economic woes the country has suffered, it is encouraging politically that signs of recovery are appearing in one of the most democratic societies in the region.

A general atmosphere of social stability, a unifying constitutional monarchy, determined leadership and freedom of information and expression are all playing their part in helping to put Thailand back on its feet.

The IMF rescue package totaling U.S.$16 billion imposed a tough austerity program on the Government, banking reforms are reshaping the financial sector, and there is reason to expect that Thailand will eventually emerge in much stronger shape economically.

Money politics is still a powerful negative force, and it is understandable if many of those who attended Wednesday's ceremony to dedicate a monument to those who fell in the 1973 uprising felt they had not yet fully achieved their goal.

But the progress achieved since October 1973 should not be underestimated. Despite its recent problems, Thailand has remained stable.

Whatever the democratic deficit, freedom has been preserved and the system has shown its strength in contrast to the unrest suffered by less open societies.

-- The South China Morning Post