Game over for Newin? Maybe not
BANGKOK: -- The problem with people like Newin Chidchob is that, even if they tell the truth, scepticism will overshadow it. This is despite the fact that Newin couldn't have been more direct or chosen a better time to announce his retirement from politics. "I don't want to inflame the already-heated political situation," he declared last week in front of numerous birthday well-wishers. The announcement was unequivocal and, by any standard, seemed heartfelt. Yet, predictably, media analysis and speculation ensued that Newin is only saying goodbye so he can assume the role of political puppet-master.
If few people believe Newin, he has nobody to blame but himself. The man might have been an effective political powerbroker who served each of his bosses well, but he also represented old-fashioned shortcomings of the system, one of which has become a well-known joke: How can you tell a politician is lying? When his lips move.
In addition, Newin is one of those political creatures that die hard. They are like seeds that can lie dormant underground for ages, waiting for the right conditions to sprout. And these "indestructibles" have had their fare share, deservedly or not, of Thailand's decade-old political turmoil. When Thaksin Shinawatra replaced the rural patronage so familiar to old-style politicians with endless offerings directly from central government and became immensely popular in the process, Newin humbly came under his wing. When Thaksin's downfall was underway, Newin distanced himself from the master to whom he once tearfully professed his loyalty.
If Newin's separation from Thaksin was spectacular, Newin's widely photographed embrace with Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva was shocking. And Newin's turbulent relationship with Abhisit was one of the infamous highlights of the latter's government. Whether Abhisit was being lenient toward Newin's Bhum Jai Thai Party amid looming signs of massive irregularities in his administration, or Newin was holding the Democrats to ransom, old-style politics was panning out between them. The bottom line is that Newin has always been a political chameleon of the most adaptable kind. And that is why people are greeting his latest announcement with slightly raised eyebrows.
One thing is certain, though: Newin has fallen in love with football. While many politicians have made inroads into the Thai Premier League, expecting some political benefit, Newin has jumped in with absolute passion. He even turns off his mobile phone while supervising his beloved Buri Ram team in training. And when he watches them play, Newin never looks like an aloof club owner, expressionless whether his players win or lose. He always looks like a real fan, expressing real joy, real hurt and real excitement. In fact, despite Newin's not-so-glossy political background, he is recognised as one of the people who have led the Thai league to its current success.
In politics, Newin was never mentioned in the same sentence as reformers or positive influences. Critics identified him with destructive factionalism, nepotism, dirty play and even, sometimes, violence. In sport, he has been a very different man. As a club owner, he's an upgrade on Chelsea patriarch Roman Abramovich, or at least that's how it seems from watching TV.
His latest TV coverage showed a sweaty Newin in T-shirt and training pants embracing Buri Ram United players after a game. To those who have followed his career, that was one of the more sincere public moments - a stark contrast to the time he kneeled down and tearfully hugged Thaksin's leg as the latter announced a political break just before the 2006 coup.
There is no question which path - sports or politics - brings out the passionate and more truthful Newin. Which leaves only one question: how serious is he about taking the new road he claims to have chosen?
The Nation 2012-10-17
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