In an era where transparency is often a mere buzzword, Thai Senator Alongkot Worakee, at the seasoned age of 61, adds a dash of intrigue with his choice of linguistics. Thrust into the limelight yet again, he baffled the press with his unexpected preference for conversing in French. Repeatedly shaking his head, every media query was met with a cryptic, “Je ne parle pas,” translating to “I’m not saying.” His refusal to engage in the national tongue came as a surprise after his appearance before the Election Commission (EC) on allegations of Senate election collusion.
The plot thickens when a journalist boldly asked, “You’re a Thai senator – why not speak in Thai?” The senator’s nonchalant retort, “Je ne parlerai que français,” meaning “I will only speak French,” only served to fuel the furor surrounding his enigmatic disposition. With the EC summoning Mr. Alongkot and 54 other senators to account for their purported involvement in the nefarious dealings of the 2024 Senate election, the drama continues to unfold with each passing day.
Before his ascent to the Senate, Mr. Alongkot, fortified with a doctoral degree in development administration and a master’s in political science, served as the deputy governor of Uthai Thani. This region is notably a bastion of the Bhumjaithai Party, also known as the “blue bloc.” His career commenced in public administration, where he eventually advanced to the role of inspector general at the notoriously intricate Ministry of the Interior.
A peek into Mr. Alongkot’s Senate application résumé reveals a multifaceted individual who has dabbled in various domains, including academia, politics, marketing, and media. Under the 2017 Constitution’s revised senator selection methodology, he was eligible across six professional spectrums, ranging from government official to media. Yet, in a move that perhaps exemplifies his penchant for strategy and subtlety, he opted for the “non-professional” category. This maneuver possibly aided in deflecting the spotlight from potential sector-specific scrutiny and allowed him to weave seamlessly through influential networks.
June 26, 2024, marked a significant juncture in Mr. Alongkot’s political voyage, as he clinched the fifth spot in the national polls with an impressive 43 votes, securing a cross-qualifying score of 67. Nevertheless, his behavior during the election did not go unnoticed. Observers speculated on his antics, which included aimlessly traversing the polling venue and hovering near the ballot box and election officials’ table – areas deemed beyond bounds for candidates.
His transparency—or the perceived lack thereof—was questioned early in his Senate tenure, most notably after he voted against establishing a standing committee dedicated to overseeing flood prevention policy. Throughout the 2024 Senate session, the “blue bloc” senators consistently wielded tremendous voting influence, igniting rumors of a collusive coalition.
Amidst the EC’s investigation into the allegations against the 55 senators, Mr. Alongkot boldly asserted that the probe by EC and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) officials might tread against Section 157 of the Criminal Code, which addresses malfeasance. Furthermore, he insinuated possible manipulation of the DSI by opposition lobbying, striking a combative note with, “The DSI is merely a statutory agency. I, on the other hand, am a senator acting under the constitution — a higher legislative authority.”
The air is thick with anticipation as Thailand waits to see how this cerebral yet mystifying chapter of its political narrative will unfold. Whispers of both admiration and skepticism abound when it comes to Senator Alongkot Worakee, who, with strategic elegance, manages to maintain an air of enigma within the very public arena of politics.
I find it absolutely fascinating and bizarre that a Thai senator would refuse to answer questions in his native language during such a crucial inquiry.
It’s odd indeed. But maybe it’s his way of avoiding direct accountability. If no clear answer is given, there’s nothing to hold him to.
True, but it makes me wonder about his constituents. How do they feel about being represented by someone who won’t even speak their language in public matters?
Maybe he’s trying to make a point about the investigation itself, a kind of performance art? Politics in Thailand does seem theatrical sometimes.
Laugh all you want, but his antics drew attention from the real issue, which might be what he’s aiming for.
This is why I don’t trust politicians. They’re all just in it for themselves, clearly.
Isn’t it possible that he’s being pressured from the blue bloc or even external entities? The use of French might be a protective measure.
Honestly, the whole situation seems sketchy. There’s way too much drama for my liking.
Drama is only a distraction. Focus on the laws and actions these people take, not their linguistic choices.
Does anyone else think that using French might be his way of highlighting his education? Maybe a not-so-subtle brag?
Could this all be a smokescreen for something bigger? What else is going on in Thai politics right now?
There’s always another level of intrigue, especially in politics. We just don’t have the full picture yet.
Who would have thought speaking French could cause such a fuss in Thai politics? Maybe he’s just a Francophile?
Politics aside, how about the legal implications? Isn’t there a law about public figures needing to communicate in Thai?
Maybe he thinks he’s some kind of James Bond character. ‘License to Politick’ or something.
Haha, maybe. Though I doubt Bond would get caught up in such an avoidable mess.
Well, Bond would definitely find a more suave way to handle this. Like saying less and doing more.
True! But the theatrics do add a bit of intrigue, and we all know how Bond loves a good mystery.
Why can’t our leaders just be straightforward? The lack of transparency is frustrating.
Politics is just a circus. Entertain them with French and dilemmas, and they’ll forget the real issues.
Indeed, when will the people learn to look beyond the showmanship?
Despite everything, I wonder if he’ll still hold onto his position after all this. It seems so unpredictable.
Another day, another political scandal. Thailand’s reputation just keeps getting muddied.
It’s not just Thailand; politics everywhere seems to be headed down the same path.
In the grand scheme of political theatrics, this ranks pretty low. Remember Berlusconi’s many exploits?
At least this is entertaining. Could’ve been worse; remember the water throwing incidents?
We still have to wait and see the results of the inquiry. Will he actually face any consequences?
I doubt it. It’s all bluster and no result, as usual.
All said and done, what precedent does this set? Can anyone now just choose not to speak Thai in official matters?