Topic Of The Day:-“Curious Bid: On Thailand’s General Election”
The Thai general election will determine the military’s power in the new set-up
The rather unusual move by a member of Thailand’s royal family to announce a bid for the office of Prime Minister has ignited greater interest in the country’s general election. Ubolratana Rajakanya, King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s sister, subsequently had her nomination withdrawn — but the fact that the prospect drew a public disapproval from the King is an indication of how closely the palace is tracking the contest. The larger question concerning the March 24 poll is the prospect of Thailand’s credible return to civilian rule, after the 2014 military coup that deposedthe government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The military general-turned-Prime Minister, Prayuth Chan-ocha, is contesting as the candidate of the Palang Pracharat party, known for its pro-military and pro-palace leanings. The constitution drafted by his ruling National Council for Peace and Order, and ratified in a 2016 popular referendum, introduced a voting system that provides for a wholly nominated Upper House of Parliament and allotment of seats to army officers. King Vajiralongkorn had granted approval for its promulgation only after withholding some othercontroversial provisions. The March general election has been long overdue, as General Prayuth repeatedly deferred the dates since seizing power in 2014. Moreover, investigations into social media content from the new Future Forward party have added to worries about the junta silencing Opposition voices. While the bid to hand over power to an elected government may seem well-intended, the power given to the military in the legislature remains a concern.
Ms. Ubolratana had entered the fray with the Thai Raksa Chart party, which is linked to exiledformer Prime Ministers, the telecommunications tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister Yingluck. The Shinawatras are perceived to be a challenge to the Bangkok elite, including the palace and the military. But despite being evicted from power in coups, they still hold swayamong the predominantly rural electorate. Till now, the military had struggled to dent their chances sufficiently, and Mr. Shinawatra or his proxies won every election since the early 2000s. The new constitution ensures that the military will be a crucial determinant in a democratic transition. King Vajiralongkorn’s public response to his sister’s decision to contest the election may also affect the chances of Mr. Shinawatra’s party. Ms. Ubolratana had relinquished her royal title in the 1970s, but her candidature sparked speculation about an understanding between the palace and Mr. Shinawatra. The March election is being watched keenly across the region. The second largest economy in Southeast Asia, Thailand this year assumes the presidency of ASEAN, that sets a broad economic and political agenda for member-states. A number of them are so-called guided democracies, with a pre-eminent role for the military.
MEANINGS AND WORDS
1) ignited
Meaning : catch fire or cause to catch fire.
Synonyms : inflame
Antonyms : extinguish
Example : “furniture can give off lethal fumes when it ignites”
2) contest
Meaning : engage in competition to attain (a position of power)(v).
Synonyms : challenge
Antonyms : peace
Example : “she declared her intention to contest the presidency”
3) concerning
Meaning : causing anxiety; worrying(adj).
Synonyms : burden
Antonyms : pastime
Example : “I find many of the comments very concerning”
4) deposed
Meaning : remove from office suddenly and forcefully(v).
Synonyms : demote
Antonyms : allow
Example : “he had been deposed by a military coup”
5) ratified
Meaning : sign or give formal consent to (a treaty, contract, or agreement), making it officially valid(v).
Synonyms : approve
Antonyms : deny
Example : “both countries were due to ratify the treaty by the end of the year”
6) promulgation
Meaning : promote or make widely known (an idea or cause)(v).
Synonyms : dissemination
Antonyms : concealment
Example : “these objectives have to be promulgated within the organization”
7) controversial
Meaning : giving rise or likely to give rise to controversy or public disagreement(adj).
Synonyms : disputed
Antonyms : certain
Example : “years of wrangling over a controversial bypass”
8) intended
Meaning : planned or meant(adj).
Synonyms : contracted
Antonyms : unfixed
Example : “the intended victim escaped”
9) exiled
Meaning : (of a person) having been expelled and barred from one’s native country, typically for political or punitive reasons(adj)
Synonyms : displace
Antonyms : hold
Example : “supporters of the exiled king”
10) perceived
Meaning : become aware or conscious of (something); come to realize or understand(v).
Synonyms : recognized
Example : “his mouth fell open as he perceived the truth”
11) despite
Meaning : contemptuous treatment or behaviour; outrage(n).
Synonyms : against
Antonyms : exalt
Example : “the despite done by him to the holy relics”
12) evicted
Meaning : expel (someone) from a property, especially with the support of the law(v).
Synonyms : dismiss
Antonyms : hold
Example : “a single mother and her children have been evicted from their home”
13) predominant
Meaning : present as the strongest or main element(adj).
Synonyms : potent
Antonyms : inferior
Example : “the predominant colour was white”
14) dent
Meaning : a slight hollow in a hard even surface made by a blow or pressure(n).
Synonyms : incision
Antonyms : increase
Example : “there was a hideous dent in the front passenger door”
15) ensures
Meaning : make certain that (something) will occur or be the case(v).
Synonyms : establish
Antonyms : endanger
Example : “the client must ensure that accurate records are kept”
16) determinant
Meaning : a factor which decisively affects the nature or outcome of something(n).
Synonyms : final
Antonyms : exalt
Example : “pure force of will was the main determinant of his success”
17) relinquished
Meaning : voluntarily cease to keep or claim; give up.
Synonyms : abandon
Antonyms : allow
Example : “he relinquished his managerial role to become chief executive”
18) eminent
Meaning : (of a person) famous and respected within a particular sphere(adj).
Synonyms : esteemed
Antonyms : obscure
Example : “one of the world’s most eminent statisticians”
19) seizing
Meaning : a length of cord or rope used for fastening or tying(n).
Synonyms : snatch
Antonyms : give
Example : “they prepared a great many seizings to tie the men with”
